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
