Réne Barbier Clos Mogador Manyetes 2021

Réne Barbier Clos Mogador Manyetes 2021 is a striking, modern expression of Priorat that proves power and freshness can coexist in the same glass. Crafted from Cariñena grown on brutally steep, sun-baked slopes of black slate, this vintage stands out for its unusually moderate 13.5% alcohol and its vibrant, almost electric energy. Manyetes has long been a reference-point single-vineyard wine in Priorat, but 2021 marks a stylistic evolution toward greater finesse, purity and transparency of terroir.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2021 Manyetes shows a deep, dense garnet core with violet highlights, reflecting both its Mediterranean origin and the concentration of old-vine Cariñena. The nose is intense yet refined, opening with dark wild berries, black cherry and plum, layered with notes of blood, iron, warm earth and crushed black slate. With air, more delicate and savory nuances emerge: dried herbs, tomato leaf and a subtle hint of graphite, all wrapped in a quietly mineral frame. On the palate, this is a fresher, more poised version of Manyetes, with lifted acidity and precision balancing the natural depth and structure of the site. Dark fruit flavors—blackberry, blackcurrant and spiced cherry—are intertwined with ferrous, stony and subtly saline notes that speak clearly of Priorat’s llicorella soils. The tannins are firm but fine-grained, giving a tactile, almost chalky grip without heaviness, and the relatively low alcohol keeps the wine nimble and energetic. There is a long, resonant finish with a cool, sappy freshness reminiscent of tomato vine and Mediterranean scrub. While approachable with decanting, this wine has excellent aging potential: 8–15 years in a good cellar will allow the savory and mineral dimensions to unfold further, integrating the structure and enhancing complexity.

Production
Manyetes comes from an exceptionally warm, steep vineyard in Priorat, Catalonia, rooted in iconic black slate (llicorella) soils that naturally limit yields and give the wine its intense mineral character. In 2021, the team harvested in two passes and earlier than usual to capture freshness and avoid any hint of overripeness, selecting only crisp, energetic Cariñena grapes. In the cellar, they shifted to a notably gentler vinification, incorporating around 30% whole clusters to bring extra lift, structure and aromatic complexity while softening the extraction. Fermentation was conducted with a light hand to preserve fruit and terroir rather than sheer power. For aging, about one-third of the wine matured in amphorae and the rest in a large, old foudre, minimizing oak influence and emphasizing purity; unlike earlier vintages raised in barrique, the 2021 Manyetes is deliberately crafted to show almost no overt wood character, offering a more transparent and contemporary expression of this historic site.

Food & Serving
This refined yet intense Priorat pairs beautifully with richly flavored, savory dishes that can match its depth without overwhelming its newfound freshness. Think slow-braised lamb shoulder with rosemary and garlic, grilled Iberian pork presa, duck with Mediterranean herbs, or hearty Catalan stews with beans and sausage. It also works well with charred vegetables, mushroom dishes, and aged hard cheeses, where its mineral spine and savory notes really shine. Serve at 16–18°C; slightly cooler than room temperature will highlight the wine’s freshness and detail. Decant for 1–2 hours in its youth to open the aromatics and soften the structure—particularly helpful in the first 3–5 years after release—while older bottles may need only a gentle, shorter decant to remove sediment.

Producer
Clos Mogador is the life’s work of René Barbier, one of the pioneering figures who helped put Priorat back on the world wine map in the late 20th century. Along with a handful of visionary winemakers, Barbier was instrumental in transforming Priorat from a nearly forgotten region into one of Spain’s most prestigious appellations, known for profound, mineral-driven reds. The estate, founded in the late 1980s, quickly became a benchmark, with Clos Mogador and its single-vineyard wines—like Manyetes—showcasing the extraordinary potential of old vines rooted in llicorella soils. Over the years, Clos Mogador has earned international acclaim and consistently high critical scores, but the estate’s philosophy has evolved toward greater elegance, balance and terroir expression. The 2021 Manyetes, with its lower alcohol, partial amphora aging and gentle vinification, reflects this new chapter in a producer that remains one of the most important and respected names in Priorat.

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