1902 Centenary Carignan
Centenary Carignan
D.O.Q. Priorat
"The centenary soul of the licorella: 1902 is an oenological jewel of extremely limited production from Mas Doix, born from a single plot of Carignan planted at the beginning of the 20th century. A red wine for meditation, austere in its youth but infinite in its evolution."
The Testament of Licorella and the Priorat Terroir
Born on the iconic hillside of the "Tossal de la Salut" in Poboleda, the 1902 Centenary Carignan 2017 is a tribute to the resilience of the Catalan wine heritage. This single plot of Carignan has survived since 1902, drawing extraordinary depth and elegance from the clay and hard slate soils known as licorella. It is the highest distinction of Mas Doix, a cult wine that transcends trends, offering exceptional aging potential and an unparalleled tasting experience for discerning collectors.
1. Identity Profile
- Winery: Mas Doix (Poboleda).
- Origin: Single Vineyard (1902), D.O.Q. Priorat.
- Varietal: 100% Centenary Carignan.
- Aging: 16 months in new French oak barrels.
- Category: Ultra-Aging Red Wine.
- Vintage: 2017 (Harvest of precision and balance).
2. Sensory Experience (Tasting Notes)
Sight: Deep, dense purple color, almost opaque, with dazzling garnet rims that denote its nobility and structure.
Nose: Hypnotic and complex aromatic intensity. It unfolds layers of very ripe black fruit, withered violets, damp earth, fine cocoa, and oriental spices over a mineral core characteristic of graphite, slate, and gunpowder.
Palate: Astonishing verticality and impeccable volume. Powerful yet refined entry, with tannins of aristocratic firmness and a vibrant acidity that provides freshness. Its finish is eternal, deeply saline, and markedly mineral.
3. Style and Uniqueness
AGING POTENTIAL (25-40 YEARS) [ ● ● ● ● ● ]
VARIETAL PURITY (CARIGNAN) [ ● ● ● ● ● ]
STRUCTURE AND BODY [ ● ● ● ● ● ]
PRODUCTION EXCLUSIVITY [ ● ● ● ● ● ]
4. The Art of Pairing and Serving
High-End Gastronomy: Ideal to accompany big game dishes (roe deer, venison), concentrated meat reductions, long-aged beef cuts, and preparations featuring black winter truffle.
Decanting Protocol: Requires prolonged decanting (minimum 2 to 3 hours) to allow for aeration and the progressive opening of all its aromatic layers.
Serving Temperature: Serve strictly between 16°C and 18°C in a large-format Burgundy glass.
Frequently Asked Questions about 1902 Centenary Carignan
What makes the 1902 wine from Mas Doix special?
It is a single-plot wine (Tossal de la Salut) from vines originally planted in 1902. It represents the ultimate expression of centenary Carignan on licorella (slate) soils in the Priorat.
What is the recommended decanting time?
Due to its immense concentration and structure, it is recommended to decant this wine for 2 to 3 hours before consumption to allow its aromatic layers to open fully.
Why is it considered a historic "Single Vineyard"?
Because it comes exclusively from a hillside planted over a century ago, where each vine produces just a few bunches of a quality and concentration unattainable in young vineyards.
On what occasions is it recommended to uncork a 1902 Centenary?
It is a wine for life's great milestones, high-level collecting, or vertical tastings of legendary wines. It is an investment in liquid heritage.