2014 Clos Mogador Priorat

2014 Clos Mogador Priorat

Priorat, Catalunya (Spain)

Winemakers:  Isabelle & Rene Barbier

$60

Sunday Night Wine Up is a 2014 Clos Mogador Priorat from near Barcelona.  The blend is 49% Garnacha, 25% Cariñena (Carignan), 16% Syrah and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon.  In 2003, DNA evidence confirmed that Carignan/Cariñena was the same variety as the Mazuelo (or Mazuela) grape of Rioja.  Carignan is noted for its high levels of tannin, adding color and providing acidity.   The drink by recommendation is another two years so the color was deep, dark and no signs of aging. 

We found ripe cherry and boysenberry flavors, backed with herb, red licorice and hint of mineral notes. The rich texture is balanced by lively acidity and fine-grained tannins. Well balanced and elegant. The finish is long and steady. 

Our research says that 80% of the vines are 25 to 35 years old. Some of the vines are over 80 years old. They ferment with indigenous yeasts and use a 35 to 45 day maceration (soaking grape skins in grape juice).  The winemaker in 2011 began using élevage (raising as in adolescence) in 300-liter barrels and 2,000-liter foudres (a large wooden vat between 20-120 hectolitres in size (hectolitre = 100 litres)) that lasts 18 months.  By adding Carignan / Cariñena there is less need gain tannins from the wine barrels.

Rene Barbier Ferrer was born in Tarragona in 1950 and is a direct descendent of a French line of winemakers whose origins can be traced back to the 1200s.  He trained in the most presitgious winemaking schools of Bordeaux, Borgogne and Limoux as well as worked in acclaimed wineries such as Moueix, who are amongst other things the makers of Petrus.  Rene purchased his first vineyard in Priorat in 1979.