The wines of Costers del Priorat emphasize nuance and elegance over power, a philosophical departure from the intense, tannic wines that once defined Priorat. Starting with a small parcel planted in 1934 in Bellmunt, Costers del Priorat now owns 25 hectares in four villages. Winemaker Jose Mas Barberà sees a new vision for the region focused on village specific wines. The majority of plantings are samsó (carignan) vines. This grape variety can withstand the extreme temperature fluctuations and drought conditions of the region to produce wines of exceptional aromatic complexity in an incredibly delicately packaged structure.
By utilizing only yeast from the vineyards for spontaneous fermentation and placing the wines in a multitude of vessels that allow air exchange, Jose achieves power through elegance. His exploration of amphora, cement, demi-muids, and large foudres is the key to unlocking the minerality of these wines. Animal traction is used to work the soil on the steep terraces. The winery is practicing organic, only using natural organic and biodynamic treatments and never any chemicals.
- Priorat Blanc de Pissarres
- Priorat Blanc de Closos Vinyes Velles
- Pissarres Priorat
- Clos Alzina Priorat Samsó