2022 Clos Mogador Nelin Blanco
| Type of Wine | |
|---|---|
| Country | Spain |
| Region | |
| Appellation | Priorat (Appellation) |
| Winery | |
| Vintage | 2022 |
| Grape | , |
| Content (Alc) | 0.75 ltr (14.5%) |
| Drink window | 2025 - 2032 |
In stock
58 items available
Description
The Clos Mogador Nelin Blanco 2022 is an exceptional white wine from the prestigious Priorat region in Spain. This wine is produced by the renowned Clos Mogador winery, led by visionary winemaker René Barbier. The Nelin is the result of a carefully composed blend of mainly Garnacha Blanca and Macabeo grapes, originating from a single vineyard of 5.8 hectares, located at an altitude of between 350 and 500 meters.
At Nelin, they work with the skins, inspired by the old «brisats» method (fermentation with skins) and use indigenous yeasts for longer fermentations. Fermentation can last up to 6 months and then has a minimum of 15 months of aging. They first mature the wine in wood, followed by cement vats, clay pots and even some stainless steel at the end of the process.
Flavour profile of the Clos Mogador Nelin Blanco
In the glass, the Nelin Blanco 2022 presents itself with a light straw yellow color. The bouquet is intense and complex, with seductive aromas of fruits such as peach, apricot, lychee and pink grapefruit. These fruity notes are complemented by mineral accents and subtle hints of flowers and honey, which contribute to the refinement of the wine.
On tasting, the wine reveals a harmonious combination of volume, fullness and finesse. A lively acidity refreshes the structure, while the wine unfolds into an intense and delicate palate. The persistent finish is unusual and prolongs the taste experience in a delicate way.
The Clos Mogador Nelin Blanco is a blend of different grape varieties, with the main varieties being Garnacha Blanca and Macabeo. These grapes come from the Priorat region, known for its rugged terroir and mineral wealth, which contributes to the complexity of the wine.
Garnacha Blanca
Garnacha Blanca is a white variety of the well-known Garnacha grape. This grape is known for its full body, low acidity and aromatic intensity. Wines made from Garnacha Blanca often have notes of ripe stone fruit, citrus, almonds and floral hints. In the Nelin, this grape provides structure and depth.
Macabeo (Viura)
Macabeo is a versatile grape that is widely used in both still wines and Cava. It brings freshness and elegance to the blend, with aromas of green apple, citrus, white flowers and sometimes a subtle spiciness. Macabeo contributes to the balance and refreshing acidity of the wine.
In addition to these two main varieties, Nelin Blanco also contains small amounts of other grapes, such as Pedro Ximénez, Roussanne, and Marsanne. These grapes add extra aromatic complexity, with hints of honey, spice, and nuts. The combination of these grapes and the unique slate soils of Priorat make for a wine with an excellent balance of freshness, minerality, and a full, layered structure.
René Barbier Meyer, Clos Mogador Winery Winemaker
Nelin is how our family interprets a Priorat white wine. In Nelin we play with skins, inspired by the old «brisats»*, working with indigenous yeast, fermentations longer than 6 months, aging period of more than 15 months and using all kinds of materials, starting the first phase with woods, then followed by cement vats, clay pots and even some stainless steel in the end. Lately we are very excited reintroducing unique autochthonous varieties such as the “trepat blanc” or the “cartoixà”. 2020 is a year of contrasts. A year with a very abundant rainfall at the beginning of the cycle, a gift for our country. It was also a year of learning with the appearance of fewer common diseases in our countries. We lost some blossom, but we worked hard until well into June. At the end of that month, there was a radical change in the weather, a dry and hot summer, but unlike other years, the plants did not suffer any stress and we were able to arrive at harvest time with grapes that easily reached good maturity. With all this we have achieved a pleasant, balanced wine. I hope you enjoy it. (* Fermentations with skins)
Specifications
| Packing information | Box |
|---|---|
| Type of Wine | White |
| Country | Spain |
| Region | Catalunya |
| Appellation | Priorat (Appellation) |
| Winery | Clos Mogador |
| Grape | Garnacha, Macabeo |
| Biological certified | No |
| Natural wine | No |
| Vegan | No |
| Vintage | 2022 |
| Drinking as of | 2025 |
| Drinking till | 2032 |
| Alcohol % | 14.5 |
| Alcohol free/low | No |
| Content | 0.75 ltr |
| Oak aging | Yes |
| Sparkling | No |
| Dessert wine | No |
| Closure | Cork |
| Promotion | On Sale |
| Parker rating | 96 |
| James Suckling rating | 94 |
| Tasting Profiles | Aromatisch, Bloemig, Droog, Houtgerijpt, Krachtig, Kruidig, Rijk, Rond, Vol, Wit fruit |
| Drink moments | Barbecue, Cadeau!, Lekker luxe, Met vrienden, Open haard, Romantisch |
Professional Reviews
Parker
The Wine Advocate
RP 96
Reviewed by:
Luis Gutiérrez
Release Price:
$70
Drink Date:
2026 - 2033
All the wines go through malolactic in barrel, including the white 2022 Nelin, a blend that has been changing over time. In 2022, it was produced exclusively with local varieties, Garnacha Blanca, Macabeu, Xarel·lo, Cariñena Blanca, Picapoll Blanco, Trepat Blanco, PX and Escanyavelles from four small organic vineyards. The juice from the pressing of the full clusters fermented with indigenous yeasts in 1,200-liter oak foudres, with a slow and long fermentation that takes between three and nine months. It matured in foudre for one year and then was transferred to stainless steel for six to eight more months. Despite the dry conditions and the heat waves, it came after the 2021, and the vines had enough reserves, so the wines are fresher than expected. It's a Mediterranean blend with 14% alcohol and 5.3 grams of acidity, clean and harmonious. The north-facing plots behaved very well, and the varieties can take the conditions without a problem, so the wine doesn't seem affected at all. In fact, it's quite fresh, medium-bodied and very tasty, serious and characterful, a triumph over the extreme conditions of the year. It's a white with aging potential. 9,000 bottles were filled in April 2024.
Clos Mogador is the winery from the Barbier family in Gratallops in Priorat, where they have 40 hectares of vineyards and produce 60,000 to 65,000 bottles of wine per year. In the last few years, they have had to be creative to be able to continue producing wines with energy and balance, given the challenging weather of recent years. They have started to use direct pressings, employ carbonic maceration of the grapes from south-facing plots or varieties more sensitive to drought, play with the blends to achieve more freshness and use less oxidative materials for the élevage.
This time, I tasted with Christian Barber, who has also started his own personal project (Christian Barber i Gisela, reviewed separately). He's in charge of the vineyards and explained the changes they've been implementing to adapt to the new climate conditions, such as using cover crops, harvesting earlier, working with more indigenous varieties, fermenting with some full clusters and some carbonic maceration, etc. He works in regenerative agriculture and has suffered a lot in the last couple of years because of the lack of rain. The vineyards are certified organic, and they also have a biodynamic certification from the Regenerative Viticulture Alliance, but for now, the bottles don't carry the seal. Yields have been abysmal for Clos Mogador in recent years: in 2023, they produced 50% of the normal volume, and in 2024, they produced half of what they produced in 2023! But the wines are as good as ever or even better!
Published: May 01, 2025
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
James Suckling
Score
94
Avg Price (ex-tax)
$ 57
Clos Mogador Priorat Nelin 2022
Thursday, Sep 19, 2024
Color
White
Country
Spain
Region
Cataluña
Vintage
2022
Flinty nose of baked citrus, white sesame and touches of nori, yellow apples and pine nuts. Some dried Mediterranean spices and herbs, too. Quite supple yet fresh, with medium acidity and a flavorful center. Medium- to full-bodied with a lengthy finish. Quite unique and complex. Delicious now, but can hold.
Zekun Shuai
Senior Editor
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
Exclusive Content
Sign in to unlock professional wine reviews from world-renowned critics
Wijnhuis
In the heart of Priorat, Clos Mogador grew into one of Spain’s most influential wineries, led by the Barbier family and their unique vision.
The history of Clos Mogador
Clos Mogador is inseparably linked to the revival of Priorat in the 1980s. Until then, the region was almost forgotten. Old terraces lay abandoned and production was small and local. René Barbier, from a Catalan-French winemaking family, saw potential here. Together with a small group of pioneers, he decided to plant vines on these rugged slate soils. It was a bold step, as the conditions were harsh and yields were low. Yet this proved to be the key to quality. Their joint wines gained international recognition in a short time and Priorat once again became a name in the wine world.
From the very beginning, Clos Mogador was one of the leading examples. While many other wine regions chose large-scale production, Barbier opted for small-scale, focused and distinctive winemaking. The first vintages were immediately a statement: this is wine with character, unwilling to compromise.
The Barbier family
The story of Clos Mogador is also a family story. René Barbier and his wife Isabel Meyer built the estate step by step, often with limited resources but always with vision. Their son, René Barbier Meyer, literally grew up among the barrels and has since become the driving force in the cellar. He combines the knowledge of his parents with a contemporary approach. His sister, Christian, and other family members are also involved. This makes Clos Mogador not an anonymous project, but a family estate where tradition and renewal go hand in hand.
What makes this family so interesting is the combination of Catalan determination and French finesse. Barbier senior brought his European background with him, but always felt deeply connected to Priorat and Catalan culture. That mix can be tasted in the wines: classic in structure, modern in energy.
About René Barbier
René Barbier Sr. was born in 1950 in Tarragona and is a direct descendant of French winemakers with roots going back to the 1200s. Like his ancestors, he has spent his entire life in the wine world. Trained at the most prestigious wine schools in Bordeaux, Burgundy and Limoux, he also worked in renowned wineries such as Moueix, the makers of Petrus.
René Barbier is considered the father of "Modern Priorat," an era that began in the late 1980s and crystallized in the "Clos" movement. He was the first to truly believe in the potential of the area to produce world-class wines. Barbier was a visionary who brought together a group of friends and motivated them to follow a dream, take on an adventure, and create a new lifestyle. This family winery, where two generations currently work side by side, was founded in 1979 in Gratallops. Their Clos Mogador is the symbol of a revolution, the pure expression of Priorat terroir, and one of the most respected wines in Spain.
The origins of this vineyard go back to Roman times. The vines benefit from an exceptional microclimate because they are surrounded by mountains reaching 1,200 meters above sea level. Clos Mogador is an immense amphitheater of crumbling slate (licorella), bathed by the Siurana River, rich in history and Moorish legends. René was born in 1950 in Tarragona and is a direct descendant of French winemakers whose roots go back to the 1200s. Like his ancestors, he has spent his whole life in wine. Trained in the most prestigious wine schools of Bordeaux, Burgundy and Limoux, he also worked in renowned wineries such as Moueix, the makers of Petrus. His reach in the wine world and experience extends from vineyards to wine marketing and especially to the part where his own wines are made. In 1979 he acquired his first vineyard in Priorat and began producing his first wine in the region: Clos Mogador. Later came Nelin, Manyetes and Espectacle del Montsant.
The location in Priorat
Gratallops, the village where Clos Mogador is located, forms the heart of Priorat. The landscape is spectacular and unforgiving: steep slopes, narrow terraces and winding rivers that cut through the region. The key element is the soil. The famous llicorella, a mix of dark slate and quartz, gives the wines their recognizable minerality and power. This soil forces the vines to root deeply in search of water and nutrients. The result: grapes with concentration and tension.
The climate in Priorat is dry and sunny, with hot summers. However, altitude differences and the cooling garbinada wind provide much-needed freshness. Nights are cool, allowing the grapes to ripen slowly and retain their acidity. This contrast between heat and coolness gives the wines their balance.
Vineyards and grapes
Clos Mogador works with vineyards that vary in age and location. Some vines are over 80 years old and produce grapes of exceptional quality. The core varieties are Garnacha and Cariñena, typical of Priorat. In addition, they use Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon for extra depth. The vineyards are spread across small plots that can only be worked by hand. Machines have no chance here; it is pure manual labor.
Organic and biodynamic principles play an increasingly important role. No pesticides, but natural solutions. No artificial fertilizers, but compost and green manures. Biodiversity is high, with olive trees, herbs and shrubs growing between the vines. This creates balance in the vineyard and healthy grapes that require little correction in the cellar.
The wines of Clos Mogador
The signature wine is Clos Mogador itself. This blend of Garnacha, Cariñena, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon is considered one of the benchmarks of Priorat. It is known for its power, depth and longevity. Enthusiasts easily age the wine for ten to twenty years. Each vintage is different, but the style is recognizable: intense, complex and with a vibrant minerality from the llicorella soils.
In addition, the family makes several other wines:
- Manyetes: a pure expression of Cariñena from a special plot. Firm, dark and yet refined.
- Nelin: a white Priorat, made from Garnacha Blanca and other local grapes. Aging in wooden barrels and amphorae gives it depth and originality.
- Com Tu: a red wine from Montsant, produced by René Barbier junior and his wife. It is a tribute to diversity and equality, with an approachable style.
Each wine shows that Clos Mogador does not stand still. The estate continues to experiment, but always with respect for the origin and the identity of Priorat.
Interesting facts
- - Clos Mogador was one of the five original “Clos” that made Priorat internationally known in the 1980s.
- - The name Mogador refers to Essaouira in Morocco, a place where the Barbier family has fond memories.
- - In 2001, Clos Mogador was one of the first wines in Spain to receive the status “Vi de Finca Qualificada”: an official recognition for vineyards of exceptional quality.
- - The labels of Clos Mogador are designed by family members and friends, giving each vintage a personal touch.
- - The estate welcomes wine lovers from all over the world every year, b
The Clos Mogador Nelin Blanco 2022 is an exceptional white wine from the prestigious Priorat region in Spain. This wine is produced by the renowned Clos Mogador winery, led by visionary winemaker René Barbier. The Nelin is the result of a carefully composed blend of mainly Garnacha Blanca and Macabeo grapes, originating from a single vineyard of 5.8 hectares, located at an altitude of between 350 and 500 meters.
At Nelin, they work with the skins, inspired by the old «brisats» method (fermentation with skins) and use indigenous yeasts for longer fermentations. Fermentation can last up to 6 months and then has a minimum of 15 months of aging. They first mature the wine in wood, followed by cement vats, clay pots and even some stainless steel at the end of the process.
Flavour profile of the Clos Mogador Nelin Blanco
In the glass, the Nelin Blanco 2022 presents itself with a light straw yellow color. The bouquet is intense and complex, with seductive aromas of fruits such as peach, apricot, lychee and pink grapefruit. These fruity notes are complemented by mineral accents and subtle hints of flowers and honey, which contribute to the refinement of the wine.
On tasting, the wine reveals a harmonious combination of volume, fullness and finesse. A lively acidity refreshes the structure, while the wine unfolds into an intense and delicate palate. The persistent finish is unusual and prolongs the taste experience in a delicate way.
The Clos Mogador Nelin Blanco is a blend of different grape varieties, with the main varieties being Garnacha Blanca and Macabeo. These grapes come from the Priorat region, known for its rugged terroir and mineral wealth, which contributes to the complexity of the wine.
Garnacha Blanca
Garnacha Blanca is a white variety of the well-known Garnacha grape. This grape is known for its full body, low acidity and aromatic intensity. Wines made from Garnacha Blanca often have notes of ripe stone fruit, citrus, almonds and floral hints. In the Nelin, this grape provides structure and depth.
Macabeo (Viura)
Macabeo is a versatile grape that is widely used in both still wines and Cava. It brings freshness and elegance to the blend, with aromas of green apple, citrus, white flowers and sometimes a subtle spiciness. Macabeo contributes to the balance and refreshing acidity of the wine.
In addition to these two main varieties, Nelin Blanco also contains small amounts of other grapes, such as Pedro Ximénez, Roussanne, and Marsanne. These grapes add extra aromatic complexity, with hints of honey, spice, and nuts. The combination of these grapes and the unique slate soils of Priorat make for a wine with an excellent balance of freshness, minerality, and a full, layered structure.
René Barbier Meyer, Clos Mogador Winery Winemaker
Nelin is how our family interprets a Priorat white wine. In Nelin we play with skins, inspired by the old «brisats»*, working with indigenous yeast, fermentations longer than 6 months, aging period of more than 15 months and using all kinds of materials, starting the first phase with woods, then followed by cement vats, clay pots and even some stainless steel in the end. Lately we are very excited reintroducing unique autochthonous varieties such as the “trepat blanc” or the “cartoixà”. 2020 is a year of contrasts. A year with a very abundant rainfall at the beginning of the cycle, a gift for our country. It was also a year of learning with the appearance of fewer common diseases in our countries. We lost some blossom, but we worked hard until well into June. At the end of that month, there was a radical change in the weather, a dry and hot summer, but unlike other years, the plants did not suffer any stress and we were able to arrive at harvest time with grapes that easily reached good maturity. With all this we have achieved a pleasant, balanced wine. I hope you enjoy it. (* Fermentations with skins)
| Packing information | Box |
|---|---|
| Type of Wine | White |
| Country | Spain |
| Region | Catalunya |
| Appellation | Priorat (Appellation) |
| Winery | Clos Mogador |
| Grape | Garnacha, Macabeo |
| Biological certified | No |
| Natural wine | No |
| Vegan | No |
| Vintage | 2022 |
| Drinking as of | 2025 |
| Drinking till | 2032 |
| Alcohol % | 14.5 |
| Alcohol free/low | No |
| Content | 0.75 ltr |
| Oak aging | Yes |
| Sparkling | No |
| Dessert wine | No |
| Closure | Cork |
| Promotion | On Sale |
| Parker rating | 96 |
| James Suckling rating | 94 |
| Tasting Profiles | Aromatisch, Bloemig, Droog, Houtgerijpt, Krachtig, Kruidig, Rijk, Rond, Vol, Wit fruit |
| Drink moments | Barbecue, Cadeau!, Lekker luxe, Met vrienden, Open haard, Romantisch |
Parker
The Wine Advocate
RP 96
Reviewed by:
Luis Gutiérrez
Release Price:
$70
Drink Date:
2026 - 2033
All the wines go through malolactic in barrel, including the white 2022 Nelin, a blend that has been changing over time. In 2022, it was produced exclusively with local varieties, Garnacha Blanca, Macabeu, Xarel·lo, Cariñena Blanca, Picapoll Blanco, Trepat Blanco, PX and Escanyavelles from four small organic vineyards. The juice from the pressing of the full clusters fermented with indigenous yeasts in 1,200-liter oak foudres, with a slow and long fermentation that takes between three and nine months. It matured in foudre for one year and then was transferred to stainless steel for six to eight more months. Despite the dry conditions and the heat waves, it came after the 2021, and the vines had enough reserves, so the wines are fresher than expected. It's a Mediterranean blend with 14% alcohol and 5.3 grams of acidity, clean and harmonious. The north-facing plots behaved very well, and the varieties can take the conditions without a problem, so the wine doesn't seem affected at all. In fact, it's quite fresh, medium-bodied and very tasty, serious and characterful, a triumph over the extreme conditions of the year. It's a white with aging potential. 9,000 bottles were filled in April 2024.
Clos Mogador is the winery from the Barbier family in Gratallops in Priorat, where they have 40 hectares of vineyards and produce 60,000 to 65,000 bottles of wine per year. In the last few years, they have had to be creative to be able to continue producing wines with energy and balance, given the challenging weather of recent years. They have started to use direct pressings, employ carbonic maceration of the grapes from south-facing plots or varieties more sensitive to drought, play with the blends to achieve more freshness and use less oxidative materials for the élevage.
This time, I tasted with Christian Barber, who has also started his own personal project (Christian Barber i Gisela, reviewed separately). He's in charge of the vineyards and explained the changes they've been implementing to adapt to the new climate conditions, such as using cover crops, harvesting earlier, working with more indigenous varieties, fermenting with some full clusters and some carbonic maceration, etc. He works in regenerative agriculture and has suffered a lot in the last couple of years because of the lack of rain. The vineyards are certified organic, and they also have a biodynamic certification from the Regenerative Viticulture Alliance, but for now, the bottles don't carry the seal. Yields have been abysmal for Clos Mogador in recent years: in 2023, they produced 50% of the normal volume, and in 2024, they produced half of what they produced in 2023! But the wines are as good as ever or even better!
Published: May 01, 2025
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
James Suckling
Score
94
Avg Price (ex-tax)
$ 57
Clos Mogador Priorat Nelin 2022
Thursday, Sep 19, 2024
Color
White
Country
Spain
Region
Cataluña
Vintage
2022
Flinty nose of baked citrus, white sesame and touches of nori, yellow apples and pine nuts. Some dried Mediterranean spices and herbs, too. Quite supple yet fresh, with medium acidity and a flavorful center. Medium- to full-bodied with a lengthy finish. Quite unique and complex. Delicious now, but can hold.
Zekun Shuai
Senior Editor
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
Exclusive Content
Sign in to unlock professional wine reviews from world-renowned critics
In the heart of Priorat, Clos Mogador grew into one of Spain’s most influential wineries, led by the Barbier family and their unique vision.
The history of Clos Mogador
Clos Mogador is inseparably linked to the revival of Priorat in the 1980s. Until then, the region was almost forgotten. Old terraces lay abandoned and production was small and local. René Barbier, from a Catalan-French winemaking family, saw potential here. Together with a small group of pioneers, he decided to plant vines on these rugged slate soils. It was a bold step, as the conditions were harsh and yields were low. Yet this proved to be the key to quality. Their joint wines gained international recognition in a short time and Priorat once again became a name in the wine world.
From the very beginning, Clos Mogador was one of the leading examples. While many other wine regions chose large-scale production, Barbier opted for small-scale, focused and distinctive winemaking. The first vintages were immediately a statement: this is wine with character, unwilling to compromise.
The Barbier family
The story of Clos Mogador is also a family story. René Barbier and his wife Isabel Meyer built the estate step by step, often with limited resources but always with vision. Their son, René Barbier Meyer, literally grew up among the barrels and has since become the driving force in the cellar. He combines the knowledge of his parents with a contemporary approach. His sister, Christian, and other family members are also involved. This makes Clos Mogador not an anonymous project, but a family estate where tradition and renewal go hand in hand.
What makes this family so interesting is the combination of Catalan determination and French finesse. Barbier senior brought his European background with him, but always felt deeply connected to Priorat and Catalan culture. That mix can be tasted in the wines: classic in structure, modern in energy.
About René Barbier
René Barbier Sr. was born in 1950 in Tarragona and is a direct descendant of French winemakers with roots going back to the 1200s. Like his ancestors, he has spent his entire life in the wine world. Trained at the most prestigious wine schools in Bordeaux, Burgundy and Limoux, he also worked in renowned wineries such as Moueix, the makers of Petrus.
René Barbier is considered the father of "Modern Priorat," an era that began in the late 1980s and crystallized in the "Clos" movement. He was the first to truly believe in the potential of the area to produce world-class wines. Barbier was a visionary who brought together a group of friends and motivated them to follow a dream, take on an adventure, and create a new lifestyle. This family winery, where two generations currently work side by side, was founded in 1979 in Gratallops. Their Clos Mogador is the symbol of a revolution, the pure expression of Priorat terroir, and one of the most respected wines in Spain.
The origins of this vineyard go back to Roman times. The vines benefit from an exceptional microclimate because they are surrounded by mountains reaching 1,200 meters above sea level. Clos Mogador is an immense amphitheater of crumbling slate (licorella), bathed by the Siurana River, rich in history and Moorish legends. René was born in 1950 in Tarragona and is a direct descendant of French winemakers whose roots go back to the 1200s. Like his ancestors, he has spent his whole life in wine. Trained in the most prestigious wine schools of Bordeaux, Burgundy and Limoux, he also worked in renowned wineries such as Moueix, the makers of Petrus. His reach in the wine world and experience extends from vineyards to wine marketing and especially to the part where his own wines are made. In 1979 he acquired his first vineyard in Priorat and began producing his first wine in the region: Clos Mogador. Later came Nelin, Manyetes and Espectacle del Montsant.
The location in Priorat
Gratallops, the village where Clos Mogador is located, forms the heart of Priorat. The landscape is spectacular and unforgiving: steep slopes, narrow terraces and winding rivers that cut through the region. The key element is the soil. The famous llicorella, a mix of dark slate and quartz, gives the wines their recognizable minerality and power. This soil forces the vines to root deeply in search of water and nutrients. The result: grapes with concentration and tension.
The climate in Priorat is dry and sunny, with hot summers. However, altitude differences and the cooling garbinada wind provide much-needed freshness. Nights are cool, allowing the grapes to ripen slowly and retain their acidity. This contrast between heat and coolness gives the wines their balance.
Vineyards and grapes
Clos Mogador works with vineyards that vary in age and location. Some vines are over 80 years old and produce grapes of exceptional quality. The core varieties are Garnacha and Cariñena, typical of Priorat. In addition, they use Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon for extra depth. The vineyards are spread across small plots that can only be worked by hand. Machines have no chance here; it is pure manual labor.
Organic and biodynamic principles play an increasingly important role. No pesticides, but natural solutions. No artificial fertilizers, but compost and green manures. Biodiversity is high, with olive trees, herbs and shrubs growing between the vines. This creates balance in the vineyard and healthy grapes that require little correction in the cellar.
The wines of Clos Mogador
The signature wine is Clos Mogador itself. This blend of Garnacha, Cariñena, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon is considered one of the benchmarks of Priorat. It is known for its power, depth and longevity. Enthusiasts easily age the wine for ten to twenty years. Each vintage is different, but the style is recognizable: intense, complex and with a vibrant minerality from the llicorella soils.
In addition, the family makes several other wines:
- Manyetes: a pure expression of Cariñena from a special plot. Firm, dark and yet refined.
- Nelin: a white Priorat, made from Garnacha Blanca and other local grapes. Aging in wooden barrels and amphorae gives it depth and originality.
- Com Tu: a red wine from Montsant, produced by René Barbier junior and his wife. It is a tribute to diversity and equality, with an approachable style.
Each wine shows that Clos Mogador does not stand still. The estate continues to experiment, but always with respect for the origin and the identity of Priorat.
Interesting facts
- - Clos Mogador was one of the five original “Clos” that made Priorat internationally known in the 1980s.
- - The name Mogador refers to Essaouira in Morocco, a place where the Barbier family has fond memories.
- - In 2001, Clos Mogador was one of the first wines in Spain to receive the status “Vi de Finca Qualificada”: an official recognition for vineyards of exceptional quality.
- - The labels of Clos Mogador are designed by family members and friends, giving each vintage a personal touch.
- - The estate welcomes wine lovers from all over the world every year, b