Celler de Joan Sangenís, one of the oldest grape-growing
families in the Priorat, historically sold their grapes to
the local cooperative until forming a new company in 1995
to bottle wine in their own name. Based in Porrera, they own
80 hectares of south-facing vineyards with an average age
of 50 years and several small parcels of 100+ year old vines
of Garnacha
and Carignan.
The oldest vineyards are situated on steep slopes known as
'costers' and the younger vines are found on the northwest
facing terraces. The topsoil, composed of slate and quartz-rock,
appears dark grey and often nearly black. Beneath there is
a base of reddish slate with particles of quartz rock locally
known as 'Llicorella', high in mineral content. The altitude
of the vines is between 300-400m. Joan Sangenís, the
enormously talented, young owner/oenologist did not study
winemaking at University or Oenological school, rather experience
and research are his University. The heart and the continuous
testing updates are what are important to him. He explains
that he spends 10 months in the vineyards and 2 months in
the cellar because great wines come from great grapes and
not great hands. Maintaining healthy vineyards with weeks
of ploughing ensures that they never have to use any chemical
herbicides or pesticides. The secret of both his red and white
wines is the basis of their blend - Garnacha - produced from
the grapes of old, low-yielding vines. The white, one of only
three produced in DOC Priorat, has been awarded the title
of the best Spanish white. The winery is equipped with modern
stainless steel installations.
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Click on the underlined grape varieties
for more information.
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