PORTAL DEL PRIORAT
SPAIN | PRIORAT | MONTSANT
If anyone embodies the dynamism of Priorat, it’s Alfredo Arribas. Sourced in a sub-region producing among the most stunning wines in all of Spain, his estate wines express the extreme terroir that is Priorat, albeit with an elegance, subtlety and purity that inform the future of the region. Early on, these wines caught the eye of the wine press, and the critical praise hasn’t stopped.Alfredo is somewhat a superstar of the region, having gained international renown as an architect before turning his passion to winemaking. This artistic sensibility translates to a venture infused with artistry – from the wines, to the illustrated labels, to the shed-roofed cellar laying into the hillside.
The name Priorat means “priory”, and the region’s winemaking history dates back to the 12thcentury, when an order of Carthusian monks set up housekeeping here. Located 80 miles southwest of Barcelona, the region’s microclimates and soil structure are unique. A visionary, Alfredo Arribas was drawn to the ancient, abandoned vineyards of Priorat, and in 2001, acquired what is now the Clos del Portal estate.
Nestled between El Lloar and Bellmut, the 40 ha estate is a connected patchwork of individual parcels, 14 ha of which are planted to five varietals: Grenache (five recouped clones), Carignan, Syrah, Cabernet Franc and Monastrell. The vineyards lie above the River Siurana valley, and rise – in a succession of terraces and ‘costers” (steep hillside plots) – to the spurs of the Montsant range. Characteristic of the region, soils are mineral rich, predominantly “Llicorella” slate. However, it is the different proportions of oxidized slate and other compounds in each parcel that lend complexity to the final cuvee. Each parcel is vinified separately. The estate is organically farmed, transitioning to biodynamics.
At the close of 2010, Alfredo extended his curiosity and interests to the neighboring region of Montsant, specifically, to a collection of old, small-lot vineyards located in Marca / el Masroig. The remarkable result was the limited series, Trossos. Trossos loosely translates as select plots or terroirs, and here, Alfredo highlights the three distinct soil types of the region: sandy, calcareous and clay. Each parcel is vinified separately, and the aging regimen tailored to each “tros”.
The Wines
Clos del Portal estate wines:
Negre de Negres. Early-ripening Grenache, Carignan and Syrah. Aged for 12 months in French oak.
Somni. Late-ripening Carignan and Syrah. Concentrated berries. Aged for 14 months in French oak.
Tros de Clos. Sourced from a 1 ha parcel, planted to Carignan in 1911. Aged for 14 months in French oak. The Grand Cru of the estate.
Trossos limited series:
Trossos Sants. White Grenache, Grey Grenache. Sourced from four, 60- to 80-year-old vineyards. Aged for 5 months: 50% in steel, 50% in French oak.
Gotes:
Gotes del Montsant. Carignan, Grenache. Sourced from 40- to 60-year old vineyards at elevations up to 700 meters. Aged for 8 months in French oak.
See All Portal del Priorat Wines
Alfredo Arribas, Owner and Winemaker
