FINCA EL PUIG PRIORAT
Gran Clos
APPELLATION
Priorat
GRAPE VARIETIES
55% Garnacha, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Syrah
WINEMAKERS
Josep Angel Mestre
94POINTS
91POINTS
Forty miles southwest of Barcelona, the Priorat region is an arid, remote and rugged province that derives its name from ancient priories in which ascetic Spanish monks over the centuries secluded themselves from the world outside. The area is best known today for its production of truly awe-inspiring reds, with Grenache and Carignan as the bedrock of Priorat wines. Gran Clos epitomizes the winemaking revolution that has seized hold of the Priorat in the past 15 years and propelled it into the spotlight. Founded in 1995, this 75 acre property was purchased in 2002 by John Hunt, an international entrepreneur and owner of Oriel Wines. Winemaking is under the supervision of the talented young winemaker Josep Angel Mestre.
WINEMAKING & VINTAGE NOTESWhile the Monsant area has its soil composed mostly of clay, the mountains of Priorat are composed of slate locally known as Licorella. The climate is also drastically hotter in the Priorat mountains and thus the harvest is usually in early September while Monsant is usually a late September harvest. It holds a perfect Southern exposure that guarantees optimum ripening. The Cabernet Sauvignon plot is planted on top of the mountain. The Grenache and the Carignan are planted in the middle part of the mountain. The new vines of Carignan are planted in Goblet Style, with much more Syrah being planted as well. Vines are being planted in the East and atop mountains for better ventilation as clusters are tight. Merlot needs a cooler climate and thus are planted in north exposure. For ecological concerns, no pesticides or insecticides are used.
