Notes
Clos Maria Negre is a terroir-driven organic red wine. Bold and juicy with a deep purple colour, this wine is for those who like a dark, rich, fruity red. You may notice aromas of ripe fruits like plums and red currants. In the mouth, it's full and fruity with a seemingly never-ending dry textural finish. We recommend decanting it at least 30 minutes prior to drinking. Clos Maria Negre ages beautifully in the bottle, with time it mellows out and the flavours truly harmonize. Perfect for adding to the cellar and saving for a special day.
Facts
Annual Production: 10,000 bottles (ALBAE Wine Club has access to 500 annually)
Type: Tinto (Red)
Body: Full
Palate: Dry
Finish: Smooth
Grape Variety: Coupage of 50% Garnacha, 30% Carinyena, 10% Syrah and, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon
Viticulture / Farming: Organic Farming - Terroir Driven
ABV%: 15.0
Ageing: One year. 80% for ten months in used barrels, 15% in stainless steal and 5% in amphorae (clay)
Winemaker: Antoni Sánchez-Ortiz
Bodega: Clos Maria
Region: Catalunya, Tarragona
Designation of Origin (DOP): Montsant
Micro-Climate: Continental with cooling Mediterranean sea breezes, hot summer days & cool nights. 450l average annual rainfall
Elevation: 600 meters above sea level
Age of Vines: 15-22 years old
Soil: 98% old slate (llicorella) & 2% granite
Tips
• Drink now or keep for up to 9 years
• Decant at least 30 minutes before serving
• Pairs with Tapas, Manchego or any cheese, Ibérico ham, Paté or any Spreads, Poultry, Pasta or Pizza, Legumes or Meat, stews and any rice-based dishes
• Ideal at 15 - 16 Celsius (Note: if you need to lower the temperature of the wine, do it before decanting it and preferably in iced water for about 8 to 10 minutes so reaches a temperature of about 12/13 Celsius, which will increase to 15/16 degrees once decanted and at room temperature)
Terroir
Clos Maria is nestled away in a wild corner of the DO Montsant, on a protected natural reserve in the magic triangle between Siurana, Poboleda and Porrera. The Maria Valley Estate encompasses over 572 acres of land (230 hectares), 25 of which are planted (about 10 hectares), on 98% old slate (locally called llicorella) soils and 2% granite. The vineyards are terraced at varying altitudes and orientations, resembling natural amphitheatres. The particular vines for Clos Maria Negre are oriented East to West at an elevation of 600 meters. The heat-mitigating sea breezes and the unique composition of llicorella (slate) soils produce bold wines that are highly expressive. Yields are also kept relatively low to maximize terroir expression.
Vinification
Following a manual harvest, the grape bunches are meticulously selected for their quality. After natural fermentation the wine is aged for a year, 10 months of which are in used barrels, and the remaining 2 months in stainless steel vats and amphorae (ceramic containers). Ageing the wine in various containers ensures minimal oak influence and a truer expression of the grapes and terroir. No sulphites are added at bottling time.
Winemaker
Toni Sánchez-Ortiz has worked extensively within the context of producing world- class wines; both as a winemaker and as a viticulturist in the renowned appellation of Priorat. Paying tribute to the origins of this region, he has specialized in working with Garnatxa and Carinyena, being awarded best red wine from DO Tarragona during his stint with Cellar La Boella. He has also worked in New Zealand, Australia, California and Germany. Toni is well known for creating remarkable wines with a unique personality, and a detailed focus of expression on particular varietal and site. He lives with the conviction that great wine results from an intimate knowledge of the land. Which stems from his additional experience in vineyard management and his climate warming thesis as a PhD graduate from Universitat Rovira i Vilgili. Here he spearheaded an extensive project titled Climatic Warming and Grape and Wine Composition in the Priorat DOQ. This research and thesis continues to deepen both his knowledge and his skills as a winemaker.
