CLOS GALENA
ORGANIC PRIORAT 2019
EL MOLAR • SLATE MINERALITY • D.O.Q. PRIORAT • SPAIN
"The mystical strength and sumptuousness of Priorat in a monumental organic red: a superb blend sculpted by slate, sun, and impeccable aging."
The Organic Grandeur of the Slate Terroir
The Clos Galena D.O.Q. Priorat 2019 Organic Red Wine is the iconic masterpiece of the Domini de la Cartoixa winery, a project founded with the firm conviction of producing extraordinary signature wines through one hundred percent organic and sustainable agriculture. From low-yielding vineyards planted on steep terraces over llicorella soils (the iconic fragmented slate of Priorat), the 2019 vintage benefits from exceptional climatic ripeness. This wine majestically combines noble varieties such as Garnacha and Cariñena with Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. Carefully aged in top-quality wood, Clos Galena stands out for offering overwhelming finesse and sumptuousness, with an untamed mineral character that pays homage to the ancient Carthusian monks who introduced vines to this mystical Spanish region.
1. Technical Details
Winery / Producer: Domini de la Cartoixa (Clos Galena).
Specific Origin: El Molar, Priorat region, Tarragona, D.O.Q. Priorat (Qualified Designation of Origin), Spain.
Vintage: 2019 (Considered a vintage of splendid concentration and perfect acidity-alcohol balance).
Grape Variety: Select blend (Coupage) of Garnacha Tinta, Cariñena (Samsó), Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Viticulture Type: Certified Organic. Manual care free of systemic chemical agents.
Aging: 12 months aging in new fine-grained French oak barrels, followed by a prolonged period of bottle refinement.
Style: Signature Organic Red, dense, complex, opulent, and profoundly mineral.
Capacity: 750 ml bottle.
SKU: ESP-CLGAL-ECO-2019-750
2. Exclusive Tasting Notes
Appearance: Displays an intense, brilliant, and dense picota cherry red color with violet and dark reflections of very high intensity. Its glyceric tears are abundant, slow, and stained, anticipating an imposing and sumptuous mouthfeel.
Nose: Of overwhelming and captivating aromatic complexity. Concentrated notes of ripe black fruit (blackberry, candied black plum, blueberries) burst forth, followed by a fascinating calcareous and hydrocarbon minerality characteristic of llicorella. As it opens up, it reveals hints of dark chocolate, licorice, sweet spices (pepper and clove), and a sophisticated balsamic and aromatic background evoking thyme and eucalyptus.
Palate: Robust, fleshy, and opulent entry. Fills the palate with a velvety and structured texture thanks to exquisitely elegant and unctuous mature tannins. Its freshness is perfectly integrated, masterfully balancing the 15 degrees of alcoholic power. It culminates in an eternal, deeply dry, noble, persistent finish with a marked mineral and fruity character.
3. Wine Architecture
4. Recommended Moments and Pairings
High-Flavor Gastronomic Pairing: Being a full-bodied, structured, and nobly fresh Priorat red, it sublimely cuts through and enhances the fats and intensities of powerful dishes. It is ideal for accompanying premium American meat cuts (such as a Tomahawk or aged Rib Eye grilled over coals), oxtail in red wine, lacquered duck breast with wild berries, roasted lamb chops with rosemary, traditional game stews (venison or wild boar), and complex truffled pasta. It harmonizes with intense aged goat or sheep cheeses and highly cured Iberian acorn-fed hams.
Suggested Moments:
- Special Celebration: A bottle born to commemorate grand occasions. Its international prestige (recall that Clos Galena was the wine served at the Nobel Prizes banquet) makes it perfect for weddings, notable anniversaries, or exceptional professional milestones.
- High-Level Business: A wine with a strong and exclusive profile that demonstrates industry knowledge and sophistication. Ideal for executive lunches or dinners where the goal is to entertain strategic partners and forge major alliances.
- High-End and Sustainable Gift: The perfect gift for collectors or premium wine lovers who value organic signature viticulture and mythical appellations such as D.O.Q. Priorat.
- Gourmet Barbecue: The star bottle to preside over an outdoor table when grilling highly marbled meat cuts and high-quality artisanal sausages over low heat.
- Gala Family Meal: Perfect for taking center stage at Christmas banquets, formal family reunions, or special Sunday meals accompanying large roasted dishes.
frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Is it strictly necessary to decant Clos Galena Priorat 2019?
Yes, it is highly recommended. As a wine with an enormous fruit load, high tannic concentration, and 15% alcohol, it requires aeration to open up. Gently decanting it 45 to 60 minutes before consumption will allow the notes of toasted wood and slate to harmoniously blend with the black fruit, softening its entry on the palate.
What is the ideal temperature to enjoy this organic red wine?
It is advisable to serve it strictly at a temperature between 16°C and 18°C. Completely avoid letting it exceed 18°C to ensure that its great alcoholic potency does not overshadow the aromatic elegance of Garnacha and Cariñena.
How long will this bottle last in a personal cellar?
The 2019 vintage of Clos Galena boasts extraordinary aging potential due to the magnificent acidity and intensity of its grapes. Well-preserved (lying down, protected from direct light, and at a constant temperature of 12°C-14°C), it will continue to evolve favorably and refine itself for the next 10 to 15 years.
What type of soil is llicorella and how does it influence the wine's flavor?
Llicorella is the quintessential soil of D.O.Q. Priorat, composed of dark grey, crumbly slate layers. This soil forces the vine roots to dig deep in search of water and nutrients, imparting unmistakable mineral notes of graphite, ash, and wet stone to the wine, in addition to granting superb natural freshness.