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Winery: Mas Martinet Viticultors

Country / Region: Spain / DOQ Priorat

Date Winery was established: 1986

Grape Variety: Garnatxa, Carinyena, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon

Alcohol Content / Volume: 14.5% / 750ml

First Vintage Released: 1989

Ratings: 95 pts. Robert Parker

Good to know: Clos Martinet is made every year using grapes from different vineyard plots in Mas d’en Martinet’s private estate. These plots are located within the “Vi de Vila” (Village Wines) of Gratallops area. The vineyard’s Llicorella, slate-based soil, coupled with multiple sun exposures means that every vintage is marked by a typicity which clearly identifies the wines from this estate.

Most of the grapes are local varieties: Garnatxa negra (Red Grenache), Carinyena (Carignan) and Garnatxa peluda (Downy Grenache). Sara Perez firmly believes that only these varieties are capable of truly expressing the typicity of the soil in Priorat. However, following the tradition from his father (Josep Lluís Pérez) Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon are also used in little proportions as homage to the magnificent work undertaken by him.

Mas Martinet also rest some of their wines in clay amphoras aside from wood tanks and barrels. In fact, Sara Perez says “using a barrel is like hiding the wine in a coat and make up, with ceramic you have the sensation of laying it bare, I think it is the perfect connection with the terroir.. and makes the wines more slender and elongated".

Family Pérez Ovejero began their project in Mas Martinet in 1981. They studied orientation, rootstocks, varieties, climate, soil... and these studies were applied in vineyards that make today's wines: Clos Martinet, Martinet Bru and Camí Pesseroles. 20 years later, in 2000, all vineyards, olive trees and woods were managed as a one agrosystem, under the rules of agroecology. Today, they produce a wine from each vineyard, almost forgotten traditional varieties are back and they work eco-friendly agriculture so that every bottle gets to explain stories of Priorat's landscape. They are located in the Falset area, but they belong to Gratallops.

The 2016 vintage of Mas Martinet 'Clos Martinet' is a magnificent expression of the Priorat terroir, distinctly marked by the tight-knit character of a vintage that winemaker Sara Pérez compares to the intense heat of 2012. Despite the overall warmth of the year, this specific release is notably relaxed, beautifully balancing ripe fruit concentration with vibrant tension and an appealing earthy rusticity. In the glass, it reveals complex, concentrated aromas of ripe fruit, wet earth, and delicate sweet spices. The palate is full-bodied and enveloping, defined by imposing tannins, a bright, refreshing acidity, and a long, persistent finish accented by notes of dried plum. Because of its bold structure and intricate depth, this elegant red demands rich, savory dishes; it pairs exceptionally well with grilled lamb, robust red meats, hearty stews, game, and cured cheeses.