Capafons-Ossó Winery Guide

Winery Overview

This super winery in the wine hamlet of Falset has vineyards from both DO Priorat ‘Mas de Masos’ and the nearby appellation of DO Montsant ‘Masia Esplanes.’

With a rich tradition dating back several generations, the winery has established itself as a leading producer of high-quality wines, particularly those made from the region’s indigenous grape varieties.

The winery’s roots can be traced back to the 18th century when the Capafons and Ossó families started cultivating vineyards in the rugged and mountainous terrain of the Priorat. Over time, they developed a deep understanding of the unique terroir and climate of the region, which greatly influenced their winemaking practices.

Today the very charming Francesc Capafons runs the family business. Francesc has a fantastic sense of humor and vitality, and he will convert you to Priorat and Montsant wines, in case you weren’t! The cellars are state of the art (obviously with the best French oak and stainless steel tanks for hygiene control), but they still practice age-old techniques such as clarifying the wine with egg whites.

One key factor that sets Capafons-Ossó apart is its commitment to organic and sustainable viticulture. The winery employs environmentally friendly practices, avoiding synthetic pesticides and fertilizers and focusing on naturally nurturing the health of the vineyards. This dedication to sustainability not only preserves the integrity of the land but also contributes to the exceptional quality and expression of their wines.

The winery’s vineyards are primarily planted with traditional grape varieties emblematic of the Priorat region, such as Garnacha (Grenache) and Cariñena (Carignan). These old vines, some over a century old, yield grapes of exceptional concentration and complexity. The vineyard sites are carefully selected, considering the altitude, soil composition, and exposure to sunlight, which further enhances the unique characteristics of the wines.

Capafons-Ossó produces a range of wines that showcase the distinctiveness of the region. Their portfolio includes red wines, the region’s specialty, and white and rosé wines. The red wines, often characterized by their deep color, robust structure, and intense fruit flavors, reflect the strength and richness of the terroir. The white and rosé wines, on the other hand, exhibit elegance, freshness, and vibrant acidity.

The winery combines traditional winemaking techniques with modern innovations to craft their wines. Grapes are harvested by hand and are meticulously sorted to ensure only the finest fruit is used. Fermentation takes place in small oak barrels or stainless steel tanks, depending on the desired style, and the wines are aged in a combination of French and American oak barrels to add complexity and depth.

Capafons-Ossó wines have gained recognition both nationally and internationally for their exceptional quality. They have received numerous accolades and high scores from prestigious wine critics, further solidifying their reputation as one of the top wineries in the Priorat region.

Visitors to the Capafons-Ossó winery can explore the beautiful vineyards, tour the winemaking facilities, and experience guided tastings of their exquisite wines. The winery’s commitment to hospitality and sharing its passion for winemaking creates a memorable and educational experience for wine enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike.

 

 

Further Reading

Author

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James lawrence

With a passion for food & drink that verges on the obsessive, wine writer James Lawrence has traveled the world in search of the perfect tipple. To date, nothing has surpassed the 1952 R. Lopez de Heredia Vina Tondonia Rioja Reserva, tasted in the cobweb-filled cellars with owner María José. Meanwhile, James has been writing for a wide variety of publications for over 12 years, including Telegraph, Decanter, Harpers, The Drinks Business, and Wine Business International. He lives in South Wales and returns to his former university city, Bilbao, as much as possible.

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