Red Wine Planots 2015

An absolute classic that encapsulates the soul of modern Priorat, the wine Planots is the flagship Spanish red wine of bodega Celler Cal Pla. Located in the heart of Porrera, the winery was created in 1996 by Jaume Sangenís and Mercè Juncosa, the parents of Joan Sangenís, the current owner and head winemaker. It is worth mentioning, though, that the winemaking tradition of the Sangenís family goes back much farther – the family produced their first wines in 1814.

This blended red wine from Priorat is made from an equal percentage of Grenache and Carignan, the varieties that best convey the depth and rugged elegance of the region. The grapes are sourced exclusively from the oldest estate vineyards, planted in 1910 (!) in Mas d’en Caçador, a parcel with slate soils at 500 metres of altitude considered by many the Grand Cru of Porrera. The over 100-year-old vines have ridiculously low yields – scarcely half a kilo per plant – but their quality is simply nonpareil.

Harvested when fully ripe and meticulously selected, the grapes were traditionally vinified. First, the red wine Planots 2015 was fermented under controlled temperature in stainless steel tanks. Then this reserva red wine was transferred into new French oak barrels and aged for a period of 15 months.

After that, this single vineyard wine was bottled and aged for some years before hitting the market. 

A memorable experience, this Priorat red wine made from centenary vineyards should be decanted at least 3 hours before drinking.