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Clos Mogador Winery Guide
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Last updated: January 15, 2024
Winery Overview
René Barbier, along with Carles Pastrana of Clos de l’Obac, Alvaro Palacios, renowned for L’Ermita in Priorat, and José Lluis Perez of Clos Martinet, and father of Sarah Perez, are esteemed pioneers in the relatively recently “rediscovered” wine region of Priorat. This quartet of winemakers were pivotal in establishing the region’s reputation. Notably, René Barbier started cultivating the single vineyard that would become Clos Mogador in the 1970s, situated in the now-famous wine village of Gratallops. As a result, the wines produced by Clos Mogador have attained legendary status, much like Italy’s Sassicaia and Bordeaux’s Château Margaux, making them genuinely iconic on the world stage.
One of the fascinating aspects of winemaking at Clos Mogador is René’s unique method of pressing grapes using an olive press. This distinctive approach only extracts half the amount of juice a conventional wine press would produce, resulting in a 50% more concentrated wine. Given that Priorat wines are already renowned for their intensity, and the region’s yields are exceptionally low compared to other Spanish wine regions such as La Rioja, the wines of Clos Mogador can be considered nearly elixirs. Notably, the influential wine critic Robert Parker was among the first international critics to applaud the exceptional quality of Clos Mogador’s wines. While there is now friendly competition from other emerging wineries in Priorat, Clos Mogador remains at the pinnacle of the Prestige Pyramid, alongside L’Ermita, Clos de l’Obac, and Clos Erasmus.
When exploring the enchanting wine region of Priorat, it’s easy to overlook the fame of its wines and winemakers. It’s not uncommon to encounter René Barbier or Carles Pastrana at local restaurants, wine shops, or any of the area’s approximately six main wine villages. This adds an exciting element for wine enthusiasts visiting the region. While Priorat remains relatively uncharted territory for foreign visitors, many locals from Catalonia and Spain may not even be able to pinpoint it on a map. However, those who have the opportunity to experience this beautiful region will be captivated by its stunning landscapes, including mountains, wildflowers, vineyards, gourmet restaurants, and medieval villages.
Wines produced
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Clos Mogador
Dry Red. Aged. This is the flagship wine of the estate. 35% Garnacha, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Syrah, 10% Cariñena. Ageing in French oak. Unbelievably concentrated wine. 14% alc. -
Clos Manyetes
Dry Red. Aged. Second wine. 70% Cariñena, 20% Garnacha, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Syrah. 14 months in French oak. 14% alc. -
Clos Nelin Joven
Dry White. Made with 50% Garnacha Blanca, 30% Viognier, and very interestingly, 20% Pinot Noir. 14% alc.
Winery Contact Details
Clos Mogador
Cami Manyetes s/n4737 Gratallops
Tarragona
Email: [email protected]
Tel +34 977 83 91 71
Fax +34 977 83 94 26 Find out more
Facts & Figures
Appellation
Montsant / Priorat
Founded
1987
Area under Vine
22 ha
Age of vines
5 years-50 years
Oak barrel origin
French
Winemaker
René Barbier and Fernando Zamora
Owner
Sabel and René Barbier
Production
33,000 bottles (Priorat) and 17,000 bottles (Montsant)
Grape varietals
Garnacha Tinta, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Cariñena, Viognier, Pinot Noir
Grape Varieties Used by the Winery
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Cabernet Sauvignon
Discover the irresistible allure of Cabernet Sauvignon—a worldwide favorite with robust, dark-bodied flavor. Unleash your wine journey today!
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Cariñena (Carignan)
Carignan is a red grape variety that grows mostly in Southern France, and is often used as a blending grape
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Garnacha
Garnacha: Spain's Red Gem. Akin to Pinot Noir, it bridges terroir and winemaking, crafting captivating expressions.
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Pinot Noir
Pinot noir is a light-bodied red wine varietal closely related to the Vitis vinifera grape and produces the most sought-after red wines in the world.
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Syrah
Syrah is dark-skinned and perhaps the most underrated of the 'noble' red grape varieties.
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Viognier
Viognier comes from the northern Rhône valley AOC of Condrieu and is where its most famous white wines are produced.
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Winery Appellations
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