Clos Mogador

Clos Mogador is a popular winery located in Gratallops, Catalonia, within the Priorat appellation. It has gained a reputation for producing exceptional red wines, with a particular focus on Grenache and Carignan grape varieties. The winery was established by René Barbier, a Catalan-Frenchman, in 1979. However, the first Clos Mogador wine was not introduced until 1989 when it was jointly released with nine other producers. This release received widespread acclaim and featured ten different labels.

The flagship wine, also named Clos Mogador, has since become a celebrated single-estate wine and is highly regarded as one of the finest wines in the region. It holds the distinction of being Catalonia’s first officially recognized “Vi de Finca,” a certification reserved for wines produced from a single vineyard by the estate.

These exceptional wines are made using grapes from the original vineyard that grows on a distinct local soil called llicorella. This type of soil is made up of partially decomposed slate and quartz. Grenache takes center stage, accompanied by smaller proportions of Carignan, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon.

The red wines are fermented using natural yeasts in open barrels and wooden vats, with the barrel heads being removed during the fermentation process. Subsequently, the wines are aged in a combination of both new and old oak barrels.

In addition to the red wines, Clos Mogador also produces a white wine called Nelin. It is classified as DOQ Priorat and is sourced from various small plots located within a two-kilometer radius of Gratallops. Nelin is crafted using concrete eggs and primarily features Grenache Blanc, Macabeu (also known as Macabeo or Viura), and the lesser-known Escanyavelles variety.

The La Quinta Essencia label includes a couple of eaux-de-vie offerings from the winery. Furthermore, the estate vineyards have been certified organic since 2012, emphasizing their commitment to sustainable and environmentally friendly practices.