Region: Cataluña, Spain

Vintage: 2008

Composition: 100% Red Blend

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 Mont (meaning the mountain in Catalan) refers to a 1.5 hectare vineyard (3.75 acres) in the town of El Lloar in Priorat. The vineyard sits at the base of an incredible and very steep mountain and the whole scene creates a profound impression on any visitor. This vineyard is planted entirely to Grenache (Garnatxa). It is a trellised and terraced vineyard with a very unusual, for the region that is, blend of clay, granite and the more commonly found slate. Yields are less than ¾ of a ton per acre.