Gratallops - Priorat DOCa - Clos Mogador - 2017 - 750 ml

Clos Mogador Gratallops Priorat 2017 is a prestigious red wine from the Priorat region, located in Catalonia, in the northeast of Spain. This wine is one of the jewels of the Clos Mogador estate, run by the talented winemaker René Barbier , an emblematic figure of Spanish viticulture. Priorat is an appellation renowned for its intense, powerful and concentrated wines, produced from old vines and grown on poor and rocky soils, which gives the wines a unique character.

The Clos Mogador Gratallops 2017 is a complex blend of mainly Grenache (Garnacha) , Carignan (Cariñena) and other local grape varieties, grown on the steep slopes of the village of Gratallops , in the heart of the Priorat region. The 2017 vintage is characterized by relatively dry and warm climatic conditions, which resulted in very ripe grapes, with high aromatic concentration and tannic structure.

Tasting notes:

• Appearance : The wine has an intense red color, almost black, with purple nuances, marking its concentration and youth. The color is deep and rich, announcing a powerful wine.
• Nose : The nose is complex , with aromas of ripe black fruits (blackberry, blackcurrant, black cherry) dominating, accompanied by notes of candied fruits and prune . These aromas are complemented by touches of tobacco , dark chocolate , roasted coffee and mineral terroir , characteristic of the schist soils of the region. Hints of spices and light roasting are also released, evidence of the aging in oak barrels.
• Palate : On the palate, the Clos Mogador 2017 is ample and generous , with a firm but perfectly integrated tannic structure . The aromas of ripe black fruits are found, accompanied by flavors of roasted coffee , dark chocolate and a slight touch of liquorice . The wine has a very beautiful structure , with powerful but silky tannins, and a refreshing acidity that balances the richness of the wine. The length in the mouth is impressive, with a persistent, slightly spicy, mineral and slightly saline finish , reminiscent of the specific terroir of Priorat .

Style & Chords:

The Clos Mogador Gratallops 2017 is a wine of character , perfect to accompany powerful and tasty dishes. Here are some suggestions for food and wine pairings to enhance this vintage:

• Grilled or sauced red meats : Roast lamb , beef steak or veal chop .
• Game : Roast deer , wild boar in sauce or hare à la royale .
• Matured cheeses : An old comté , a Roquefort , or a Bresse blue .
• Spicy dishes : A lamb tagine with prunes or a spiced beef stew .
• This wine can also be enjoyed on its own to savor its complexity and depth.

Production :

Clos Mogador Gratallops 2017 is a high quality wine, from vines carefully cultivated on schist soils in the Gratallops region, one of the most renowned villages in the Priorat. The viticulture is carried out in a sustainable manner, with particular attention paid to yield management and grape maturation. Fermentation is carried out in open vats , followed by aging for 14 to 18 months in oak barrels (mainly French barrels, with a small proportion of new barrels), which allows the wine to develop its complexity while retaining the pure expression of the fruit and terroir.

Aging potential:

The 2017 Clos Mogador has excellent aging potential . While it is already delicious when drunk young, it will continue to improve with age. The tannins will soften and the wine will gain complexity, with an intensification of terroir aromas, notes of undergrowth and minerality that will develop over the years. It can be kept for 10 to 15 years, or even longer in good storage conditions.

In summary:

The Clos Mogador Gratallops 2017 is an exceptional wine, powerful, complex and rich, which perfectly embodies the character of the Priorat . With its aromas of ripe black fruits , firm tannins and typical minerality , this wine is ideal to accompany tasty meat dishes or mature cheeses. It is a wine that can be enjoyed today, but will age beautifully in your cellar. This Priorat is a must-have for lovers of great Spanish wines, offering an unforgettable tasting experience.