The village of Porrera is located in the southwestern corner of the Priorat and is the largest of the 12 villages of the zone. Written records of a town (Valporrieram) in this location date to the beginning of the 12th century and the succeeding years encompass a long tradition of anti-clerical and anti-authoritarian local spirit ? so much so that the town has been destroyed three times by invading forces. Yet despite these setbacks, Porrera continued to thrive, especially with the rebirth of the Priorat as a major wine producing area. Despite being on the DOQ?s southern border, Porrera is considered to be a more temperate area due to its location in the valley formed by the river Cortiella and the preponderance of north-facing vineyards sites.