COLOUR
Red
TYPE
Still
VINTAGE
2018
GRAPE
Garnatxa Negra, Carinyena
PRODUCER
Clos Salanca
REGION
Catalonia
CHARACTERISTICS
Body
Medium - Full
Sweetness
Dry
Acidity
Medium - High
Finish
Long
Intensity
Pronounced
Tannins
AROMAS & FLAVOURS
ABOUT THIS WINE
Clos Salanca is a premium boutique project in the Poboleda district of Priorat, Catalonia, founded by sommelier Franck Massard, Master of Wine David Forer, and art director Melinda Whiteside. Named Ciurana after the ancient spelling of the Siurana River, this cuvée pays tribute to the medieval monks of the nearby Scala Dei monastery who pioneered the blending of Garnatxa and Carinyena. Sourced from steep, hand-worked costers with classic llicorella slate soils, this micro-production wine represents a deep commitment to regenerative agriculture and the local Poboleda community.
ALCOHOL
15.0%
AVG. PRICE
€105
STYLE
Classic
VEGAN
YES
SULPHITES
When to drink
Now or Later
Ideal temperature
16-18°C
INTERESTING FACTS
Fact 01
Only 2,087 bottles of this debut 2018 vintage were produced globally, making it an exceptionally rare find.
Fact 02
The vineyards are farmed using regenerative agriculture, including an on-site apiary to protect local bee pollination.
Fact 03
The vines grow in llicorella soil, a shallow layer of shattered slate over hard bedrock, forcing roots deep into tiny fissures.
Fact 04
Co-founder Franck Massard was named Best Sommelier in the UK in 1996 and trained under the legendary Gerard Basset.
FOOD PAIRING
Read more
WINE MAKING PROCESS
The grapes are organically farmed and harvested entirely by hand due to the extreme steepness of the vineyards. Following strict manual sorting, the fruit is destemmed, lightly crushed, and fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. The two varieties are aged separately for 12 months in oak barrels before final blending: the Garnatxa Negra rests in larger, older oak barrels to encourage gentle micro-oxygenation without imparting strong wood flavors, while the Carinyena ages in smaller, used oak barrels to prevent reduction. The wine was bottled in April 2020 using lightweight, eco-friendly bottles.
