A blend to explore the potential of Carignan, both red and white - 80% Carinyena Blanca 15% Carinyena Negra 5% Carinyena Gris. Grapes are grown organically with some biodynamic techniques on parcels within 8ha of estate vineyards in Empordà at and elevation of 290m over granitic sand. Grapes are hand harvested, partially destemmed and partial maceration with skins and stems for 5 days and pressed. Spontaneous fermentation with native yeast 85% in stainless tanks and 15% stainless steel in amphora. Aged on fine lees for 4 months in stainless. Limited production with 2,770 bottles annually.

Cosmic Vinyaters

Salvador Batlle took his talent from the Penedès to the Empordá region just south of the French border. His family still grows grapes in the Penedès and he makes their wines, but we thought his new project in the Empordá was more representative of his cosmic character.

Since taking over, he’s applied strict biodynamic practices and has focused on local grape varieties: Garnacha and Carinyena (blanc!). In addition to buying old vineyards spreading across 3h, he’s planting new ones with hopes that those who come after him can find the same value in the sandy soils of Agullana that he did. He’s immersed himself completely in the region while also still starting new projects such as Amor Per La Terra with friends in other Catalan regions.

In the cellar, he’s become somewhat of an amphora master and has found in these clay vats his biggest ally. Whether it be fermentation or aging, all of his wines pass through amphora at some point and see little to no oak. If you ask him, he’ll ask back, “why interfere with the natural state of the grapes by using foreign materials when you can use the same ground where they grow?” It’s obvious that Salva is a firm believer in amphora and feels that they preserve the purest expressions of the grapes.

The names of his first 3 wines (Confiança, Gratitud, & Libertat) represent everything it took for him to leave his native Penedès and embark on this new journey. All of them made without filtering, fining, or additions of any kind. There’s something about his wines that is hard to put in writing. Something mystic about them. Simply put, he’s a cosmic cat.

 - José Pastor Selections