Clos Galena – 25 years showcasing the potential of Priorat
- Clos Galena Domini de la cartoixa
- Apr 1
- 2 min read
Clos Galena, a winery located in El Molar, Priorat, celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2024. Founded in 1999 by pharmacists Miguel Pérez and Merche Dalmau, the couple was captivated by the steep terraced vineyards and the slate soils characteristic of the region, deciding to realize their dream of creating a modern winery dedicated to organic viticulture. After Miguel's passing in 2013, Merche took over the management of the winery, with the support of winemaker Toni Coca and a specialized team in viticulture and winemaking.
From the outset, Clos Galena has committed to organic viticulture, seeking to capture the biodiversity of Priorat and express its remarkable terroir in its purest form. The vineyards, covering 30 hectares, are planted in traditional terraces known as 'costers' and host varieties such as garnacha, cariñena, garnacha blanca, cabernet sauvignon, syrah, and merlot. The steep slopes are managed entirely by hand, and the characteristic slate soils, known as 'llicorella,' contribute a dense, smoky mineral intensity to the wines, naturally limiting yields to less than 1 kg of grapes per vine.
Among the standout wines of Clos Galena are:
Clos Galena: A blend of garnacha, cariñena, syrah, and cabernet sauvignon from old vines, reflecting the essence of Priorat in every bottle.
Galena: Similar in composition but incorporating merlot instead of syrah, offering notes of ripe red and black fruits, wild herbs, and refreshing acidity.
Formiga de Vellut: A spicy combination of garnacha, syrah, and cariñena.
Crossos: A modern blend of garnacha, cariñena, and cabernet sauvignon.
All of these wines are noted for their fruit intensity and the unmistakable earthy minerality imparted by the 'llicorella' soils.
The quality and expressiveness of Clos Galena's wines have been recognized both nationally and internationally. A significant milestone was in 2017, when their wine Formiga de Vellut was selected to be served at the Nobel Prize dinner in Stockholm, becoming the first Catalan wine to receive such an honor. Additionally, the wines Clos Galena and Galena have appeared in the Top 100 of Wine Spectator and were the first Priorat wines served on British Airways' first-class flights. Renowned critics such as Robert Parker and James Suckling have awarded high scores to their wines since the early vintages in 2004, and they have received gold medals in competitions like Decanter and Mundus Vini.
Beyond Priorat, Clos Galena has expanded its philosophy to projects in the Montsant and Terra Alta DOs, focusing on old vine vineyards and sustainable viticulture. In Montsant, they produce Moments del Montsant, a garnacha-led blend that highlights the spicy characteristics of this native variety. In Terra Alta, they produce Secrets del Mar, a fresh and enveloping wine based on cariñena, with notes of wild fruits and soft tannins.
Catalan identity is central to Clos Galena, and Merche Dalmau values the happiness and motivation of her team, actively participating in the local community and supporting various charitable causes. The labels of their wines are created by local artists, in collaboration with the Anquins gallery in Reus, promoting regional talent. The winery is open to the public and offers various experiences to understand the unique terroir of Priorat and life at the winery. Currently, Clos Galena exports to 30 countries, spreading the philosophy and passion of Merche Dalmau and her team around the world.
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