Clos Martina by Mas d’en Blei

Clos Martina ’16 by Mas d’en Blei

Location: Priorat, Catalonia, Spain
Grapes: Grenache Blanc (84%), Pedro Ximénez (10%), Pansal
Style: White Priorat | Rich & Structured | Oak-Aged | Limited Production

rich + structured | dried fruit, flint, toast | a hint of smoked bacon (a slice of apple between two Frazzles)

Winemaker(s): Mas d’en Blei — a historic 17.5ha estate in La Morera de Montsant, revived in 2006 by the Ferrug Guasch family. They farm steep llicorella slopes by hand and specialise in small-production Garnacha and Carignan.

Winemaking: Hand-harvested; strict selection; 24h cold maceration; pressed and settled before fermenting in new fine-grained French oak. Aged six months in barrel with daily bâtonnage, then one year in bottle. Only 6,100 bottles made.

Name Meaning: “Clos” refers to an enclosed or walled vineyard; “Martina” is the historic parcel name on the Mas d’en Blei estate.

Interesting Fact: White Priorat is extremely rare — the region is famous for powerful reds — and this comes from steep slate terraces once first planted by Carthusian monks in the 12th century.

Serve With: Roast chicken, smoked fish, charred vegetables or richer dishes needing a structured, savoury white.

When to drink at Christmas: With Boxing Day leftovers.