Réne Barbier Clos Mogador Manyetes 2022

Réne Barbier Clos Mogador Manyetes 2022 is a compelling single-vineyard Carignan from the steep, sun-baked slopes above Gratallops in Priorat. Drawn from the famed Manyetes lieu-dit, this wine captures the raw, stony energy of llicorella slate while remaining surprisingly light on its feet at just 13.5% alcohol. Produced in tiny quantities, it is a characterful, terroir-driven red that marries Priorat’s power with precision and freshness.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, Manyetes 2022 shows a deep, vibrant ruby core with a slight violet rim, hinting at both concentration and youthful energy. The nose is complex and layered: think dark berries – black cherry, blackberry and mulberry – wrapped in notes of graphite, warm slate dust, and an earthy, almost ferrous minerality. Subtle tones of smoked meat, dried herbs and a faint whiff of spice emerge with air, along with a restrained touch of oak that sits firmly in the background. On the palate, this is medium-bodied rather than massive, with an almost ethereal lightness that belies its origin. Dark fruit flavours are pure and focused, lifted by bright acidity and framed by fine, dusty tannins that clearly echo the Priorat slate soils. There’s a savoury undertone – hints of roasted game, earth and crushed rock – that adds depth and tension. The oak is beautifully integrated after 20 months in 2,000-litre foudres, giving texture rather than overt flavour. This vintage offers immediate charm, but the structure and minerality suggest a solid aging potential of 8–12 years, during which the earthy and smoky nuances will become even more complex.

Production
Manyetes comes from one of Clos Mogador’s warmest and most demanding vineyards, perched on the rugged llicorella (decomposed slate) terraces above Gratallops in Priorat, Catalonia. The poor, stony soils, extreme heat and very low yields give intensely flavoured Cariñena (Carignan) grapes, but also require meticulous vineyard work; cover crops are difficult to sustain here, so vine management is focused on preserving balance and freshness. In 2022, part of the harvest was picked relatively early to keep alcohol in check and maintain vibrant acidity. Vinification was carefully tailored to extract character without heaviness: 50% of the fruit was fermented with whole clusters for aromatic lift and structure, 30% underwent carbonic maceration to enhance brightness and juicy fruit, and the remaining portion saw a long, 40-day maceration for depth and complexity. The wine then matured for 20 months in large 2,000-litre oak foudres, a choice that softens and polishes the tannins while keeping oak influence subtle and well integrated. Bottling took place in July 2024, with only 4,500 bottles produced.

Food & Serving
Manyetes 2022 is a superb partner for richly flavoured Mediterranean and rustic dishes that can echo its smoky, earthy depth without overwhelming its finesse. Think grilled lamb chops with rosemary, slow-cooked beef cheeks, Iberian pork, or dishes featuring game birds and roasted root vegetables. It also pairs beautifully with braised mushroom ragù, charred aubergine, or hard, aged cheeses such as Manchego or aged Comté, which highlight the wine’s savoury and mineral aspect. Serve at 16–18°C, slightly cooler than room temperature, to keep the freshness front and centre. Decanting for 1–2 hours is recommended in its youth to let the aromatics unfold and to soften the tannins, especially if you’re opening it within the first 3–5 years after release.

Producer
Réne Barbier is one of the legendary figures behind the modern renaissance of Priorat and the founder of Clos Mogador, a pioneering estate that helped put this rugged Catalan region on the world wine map in the late 20th century. Alongside a handful of visionaries, Barbier recognised the extraordinary potential of Priorat’s old vines and llicorella soils at a time when the region was largely overlooked. Clos Mogador quickly became a benchmark, known for its meticulous vineyard work, low yields and thoughtful, terroir-focused winemaking. The Manyetes cuvée, from a single, harsh and sun-drenched site above Gratallops, is one of the estate’s most distinctive expressions of pure Carignan, showcasing both the intensity and the elegance that have made Réne Barbier and Clos Mogador a reference point not only in Priorat but in Spanish fine wine more broadly.

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