Clos Mogador Gratallops Priorat 2018

Clos Mogador 2018 is a terroir-driven red blend from the Gratallops village in Spain's Priorat DOCa, crafted by regional pioneer René Barbier. The 2018 vintage—marked by unusually high rainfall—yielded a more elegant and nuanced profile than the estate's typically concentrated style, utilizing a blend of 45% Garnacha, 29% Cariñena, 16% Syrah, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. Fermented with wild yeasts and aged for 18 months in a mix of 2,000-liter oak foudres and 300-liter barrels, the wine heavily reflects the region's rugged llicorella (slate) soils. The nose delivers primary aromas of fresh red and black fruits, wild garrigue herbs, and bitter black olive, underpinned by a distinct wet slate minerality. On the palate, it balances Priorat's signature dark fruit density with lively acidity and fine-grained tannins, resulting in a structured, savory finish that pairs effectively with roasted game and robust meats.