Clos Galena

​Clos Galena is a winery located in El Molar, in the Priorat region, founded in 1999 by pharmacist and agricultural engineer Manuel Pérez. His dream was to produce wines in this area of rugged landscapes and slate soils, locally known as "llicorella." The name of the winery refers to the main mineral historically extracted from the mines of El Molar.

Since its first vinification in 2001, Clos Galena has collaborated with winemaker Toni Coca. After the passing of Miguel Pérez in 2013, his wife, Merche Dalmau, decided to continue the project, rejecting buyout offers and facing various challenges. A significant milestone was in 2017, when their wine "Formiga de Vellut" 2014 was served at the Nobel Prize dinner, increasing the winery's notoriety.

Currently, Clos Galena owns 30 hectares of its own vineyards, where they grow red varieties such as garnacha, cariñena, cabernet sauvignon, merlot, and syrah, as well as white varieties like garnacha blanca and viognier. The yields are low, not exceeding one kilogram of grapes per vine, and since its inception, they have worked with organic practices.

The wine range includes "Formiga de Vellut," a red based on garnacha, cariñena, and syrah; "Galena," which incorporates international varieties and undergoes 12 months of barrel aging; and "Clos Galena," their high-end wine that seeks to reflect the depth and character of the Priorat soil. They also produce a white, "Formiga de Seda," a blend of garnacha blanca and viognier with barrel aging.

In addition to their winemaking activities, the winery participates in charitable causes, especially with the Spanish Association Against Cancer. Merche Dalmau promotes the visibility of women in the wine sector and advocates for the formation of mixed teams due to the mutual enrichment they bring. Visits to the winery are available by appointment.

https://spanishwinelover.com/bodega/clos-galena