GRAN CROSSOS
D.O.Q. PRIORAT
EL MOLAR • ELEGANT POWER • BODEGA DOMINI DE LA CARTOIXA • SPAIN
"The majesty of Priorat in a bottle: a red wine that impeccably balances the untamed strength of slate with unforgettable aromatic finesse and silkiness."
Strength, Identity, and Sophistication in Every Glass
The Gran Crossos D.O.Q. Priorat 750ml Red Wine is one of the most robust, refined, and captivating expressions produced by the acclaimed winery Domini de la Cartoixa (Clos Galena). Conceived to capture the purest and most classic essence of this historic terroir, the wine comes from vineyards located on the steep slopes of El Molar. Here, the vines plunge their roots deep into soils composed of llicorella (fragmented slate), a determining geological factor that imparts its unmistakable mineral character and extraordinary concentration. Through a meticulous blend of traditional varieties patiently aged in noble woods, Gran Crossos manages to tame the region's natural power to offer a mature, silky, and supremely complex profile that captivates both demanding critics and gourmets worldwide.
1. Technical Details
Winery / Producer: Domini de la Cartoixa (Clos Galena).
Specific Origin: El Molar, Priorat region, Tarragona, D.O.Q. Priorat, Catalonia, Spain.
Grape Variety: A select blend dominated by the iconic Garnacha Tinta and Cariñena (Samsó) grapes, enriched with complementary structured varieties.
Terroir / Soil: Steep llicorella soils, with low fertility and excellent drainage, which promote very low yields and grapes of great phenolic richness.
Aging: Meticulous aging in selected French oak barrels, providing complex spicy notes while perfectly polishing and integrating the tannins.
Style: Full-bodied, opulent, elegant, and deeply mineral Author's Red Wine.
Capacity: 750 ml bottle.
SKU: ESP-GRCROSS-PRI-750
2. Exclusive Tasting Notes
Appearance: Exhibits a deep and opulent high-intensity cherry red color, clean and very bright. Shows dense, glyceric, and elegant tears that subtly stain the glass.
Nose: Of great intensity and aromatic sumptuousness. Unfolds a complex bouquet where notes of very ripe black and red fruits (wild blackberries, candied plums, and blueberries) stand out. As it opens, hints of sweet spices (vanilla, clove), delicate roasted notes, fine cocoa, and the unmistakable mineral signature of damp slate and graphite emerge.
Palate: Powerful, fleshy, and full-bodied entry. Its passage through the palate is broad and structured, perfectly balanced by mature and noble, excellently polished tannins that provide a velvety feel. It possesses integrated acidity that refines the drink, extending to a long, persistent, balsamic, and deeply distinguished finish.
3. Wine Architecture
4. Recommended Moments and Pairings
Ideal Food Pairing: The opulence and firm structure of Gran Crossos demand hearty and sophisticated dishes that match its quality. It is the perfect companion for premium grilled cuts of meat (aged Rib Eye, Tomahawk, or New York), stews of big game (venison, wild boar), classic oxtail, wood-fired lamb ribs with fine herbs, and roasted suckling pig. It also creates a sublime harmony alongside truffled risottos, structured pastas with thick ragu, and boards with aged, intense sheep and goat cheeses.
Suggested Moments:
- High-Level Business: Its sophisticated, robust, and highly prestigious international profile makes it the ideal choice for corporate lunches or dinners where the goal is to impress strategic partners and close major deals.
- Special Celebration: A spectacular label to uncork for memorable milestones such as significant anniversaries, gala weddings, professional promotions, or important family moments.
- Gourmet Barbecue: The jewel of the afternoon to preside over an exclusive barbecue featuring fine cuts with excellent marbling, artisanal chorizos, and melted cheeses cooked over charcoal.
- Prestigious Gift: A sure hit as a gift for collectors, connoisseurs, or great enthusiasts of high-end Spanish wines who appreciate the value of the Priorat terroir.
- Formal Family Meal: Perfect for taking center stage at the most important banquets of the year, accompanying complex roasts and traditional slow-cooked recipes that bring the whole family together.
- Summer Evening Soirees: Although it is a full-bodied wine, it is ideal for enjoying on cool summer evenings outdoors, accompanying selected cold cuts and good conversation.
frequently asked questions (FAQS)
Is it recommended to decant Gran Crossos wine before consuming?
Yes, it is highly recommended. Being a red wine of great concentration, structure, and noble aging, it greatly benefits from aeration. Gently decanting it 45 to 60 minutes before serving will allow the wine to awaken, releasing all its richness of ripe fruit, toasted notes, and marked minerality in its full splendor.
What is the ideal serving temperature for this Priorat?
To properly appreciate its complexity, volume, and tannic silkiness, it is advisable to serve it at a strictly controlled temperature between 16°C and 18°C. Avoiding it from exceeding 18°C is essential to maintain its balsamic freshness and ensure that the alcohol is impeccably integrated.
What aging potential does this bottle offer in a personal cellar?
It possesses extraordinary aging potential. Thanks to the superb balance between its natural acidity and a dense and impeccable tannic structure, this wine will evolve magnificently in the bottle, gaining in finesse and complexity over the next 8 to 12 years if stored in a cool, dark, and vibration-free place.
How do llicorella soils influence the taste of Gran Crossos?
Llicorella (fragmented slate) is the iconic soil of Priorat. By retaining heat and forcing the vine roots to delve meters deep to find water, it imparts great concentration, balanced acidity, and a unique mineral character to the grapes, which translates into the wine as elegant notes of wet stone, graphite, and a deep freshness.
