Priorat 'Clos Monlleó' Sangenis i Vaqué 2012

The Catalan bodega Sangenis I Vaqué presents Priorat 'Clos Monlleó', a blend of the traditional Garnacha and Cariñena grape varieties that stands out for its complex mineral and spicy sensations. The appellation 'Clos Monlleó' comes from the ancient family name of Pere Sangenís, owner together with his wife Conxita Vaqué of the bodega Sangenis I Vaqué. The land on which the estate's vines grow has belonged to the Sangenis-Monlleó lineage since before the 17th century and, over the centuries, Pere's ancestors have always dedicated themselves to viticulture. Garnacha and Cariñena, also known as Grenache and Carignano respectively outside the borders of Catalonia, are the two most important varieties of the entire Priorat, passionately cultivated by the Sangenis-Vaqué family.

Clos Monlleó' Sangenis I Vaqué Priorat comes from an equivalent blend of Garnacha and Cariñena grapes from vines over 50 years old. The vines are grown according to the principles of organic farming on the steep slopes of the Porrera area, with its soils rich in the so-called 'licorella', a type of soil consisting of red and black slate. Following manual harvesting, the grapes are vinified in red by alcoholic fermentation in old ceramic-lined underground tanks with prolonged maceration on the skins. The ensuing 18-month ageing period takes place in new French Allier oak barrels and the wine is finally bottled without undergoing any clarification or filtration.

Priorat 'Clos Monlleó' from the bodega Sangenis I Vaqué has an intense ruby red colour. The aromatic context is defined by rich fruity hints of plum and ripe red fruits such as cherry, enhanced by spicy hints of black pepper and mineral nuances of graphite and smoke. Structured and concentrated on the palate, with a sweet, silky tannic texture accompanying the mineral epilogue.