Region: Priorat, Spain

Vintage: 2010

Composition: 100% Garnacha

History: The name Clos Pissarra is derived from the Catalan word for slate, as this is the soil that covers the regions of Montsant (sacred mountain) and Priorat (priory), that lie about 85 miles southwest of Barcelona. Arrels, meaning ‘roots’, as in a way we are returning to the place we originally came from. Priorat has quickly established itself as the premier wine region in Spain, producing wines of great intensity and concentration but yet remaining elegant and balanced. The most highly regarded sites comes from the villages of Bellmunt del Priorat, El Molar, El Lloar, Gratallops and Porrera. Montsant has found a most comfortable niche, being described as a softer, more approachable version of Priorat, and a great value. The most highly touted sites in the appellation are found in the villages of Falset and Capcanes.

The Vineyard: El Riu (meaning “The River” in Catalan) is a 1 hectare vineyard (2.5 acres) in the town of El Molar in Priorat. We purchased this property at the end of 2004. This is an unusual vineyard in Priorat, as it sits on a slight slope above the Siurana River and although it is full of slate as is typical in the region, there is also a lot of gravel here, which is quite uncommon. The vineyard is planted to Carignan (Samso) vines that are over 110 years old! Yields are less than half a ton per acre.