There are two different Appellations of Origin in Priorat: QAO Priorat and AO Montsant.

The differences between both Appellations of Origin are based on distinctions in climate, the basic composition of the soil and tradition.

The AO Montsant is distinguished from the QAO Priorat because it has vineyards at lower altitudes.

The AO Montsant climate features more rainfall than QAO Priorat, and there is less oscillation of the temperature, especially toward the south.
The AO Montsant soil is characterized by diversity. In general, they are calcareous and clayish with a predominance of brown terraces over “llicorelles” slaty soil which are more typical and abundant in AOQ Priorat lands.

Most of the wineries of the DOQ Priorat less hectoliters of wine produce many and a number much more reduced of bottles that the weineries of the DO Montsant.

DO Montsant admits more varieties of grape than the DOQ Priorat and in general, the regulation of the DOQ Priorat is more restrictive and strict than the DO Montsant.