Clos Figueras Winery Guide
Winery Overview
Located in the captivating region of Priorat, Catalonia, Clos Figueras stands tall among the leaders in this vibrant and ever-evolving appellation. Despite its youth, this small yet remarkable estate has quickly earned its reputation as a trailblazer, thanks to the vision and determination of owner Christopher Cannan. His unwavering passion for wine and relentless pursuit of excellence have been instrumental in transforming Priorat from an overlooked corner of Catalonia into a world-renowned wine region.
Clos Figueras traces its roots back to 1997, but Christopher Cannan had already been championing Priorat wines since the 1980s through his company, Europvin. Drawing from his extensive experience and deep admiration for the region, Cannan decided to invest in an abandoned vineyard just north of Gratallops. Teaming up with the dynamic estate owner and winemaker Rene Barbier, a pioneer in modern Priorat winemaking, they embarked on a journey to revive the 10-hectare estate using the renowned Priorat slate/schist soils, known locally as “llicorella.” These unique soils impart a distinctive minerality to the wines, contributing to the region’s hallmark power and finesse. The acquisition of an additional 8 hectares in 2000 further solidified Clos Figueras’ exceptional vineyard holdings, featuring Grenache, Carignan, Mourvedre, and Syrah varieties.
In 1999, Clos Figueras released its inaugural vintage, capturing the attention of both consumers and critics alike. However, the monumental 2001 Clos Figueras vintage garnered universal acclaim, earning an impressive 96 points from the illustrious wine critic Robert Parker. Since then, Christopher and his wife Charlotte have continued their unwavering dedication to crafting world-class wines that captivate wine enthusiasts around the globe.
At the heart of Clos Figueras’ portfolio is their flagship wine, a magnificent expression of old-vine Grenache and Carignan. These venerable vines bestow the wines with extraordinary depth, weight, and complexity, unraveling a myriad of dimensions with every sip. Complementing their star wine, Clos Figueras offers second and third labels that provide exceptional value while maintaining a softer, rounder, and more approachable profile.
Beyond their renowned red wines, Clos Figueras surprises wine enthusiasts with their captivating white wine, Font de la Figuera. Amidst a sea of red-dominated wines in Priorat, this exceptional white blend of Viognier, Grenache Blanc, and Chenin Blanc stands as a true gem. Exuding style and intensity, Font de la Figuera has become a benchmark for white Priorat wines, captivating palates with its remarkable character.
However, the delights of Clos Figueras extend beyond their exceptional wines. Visitors are welcomed with open arms throughout the year, allowing them to immerse themselves in the estate’s captivating atmosphere. The estate also boasts a superb restaurant, where guests can indulge in culinary delights that artfully pair with the wines. Furthermore, Clos Figueras produces sublime olive oil, showcasing their commitment to excellence in every aspect of their estate.
As Clos Figueras continues to shape the future of Priorat, Christopher, and Charlotte Cannan remain steadfast in their pursuit of winemaking excellence. With their unyielding passion, a collection of exceptional wines, and a warm and inviting estate, Clos Figueras invites you to join them on an unforgettable journey through the terroir, traditions, and flavors of Priorat.
Wines produced
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Clos Figueras
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Carignan
- Grenache
- Mourvedre
- Syrah
70% Grenache and Carignan, 20% Syrah and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and Mourvedre. Fermented in new oak casks and then aged for 13 months in French oak barrels and casks. The 'Grand vin' of the property, a Priorat produced from very old vineyards in the region that will age for decades. -
Font de la Figuera (Red)
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Carignan
- Grenache
- Mourvedre
- Syrah
60% Grenache and 10% Carignan, 30% Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Mourvedre. Fermented in 2500 stainless steel vats and then aged for 12 months in 1 year old French oak barrels. A softer, more supple wine that is approachable on release but will cellar for at least a decade. The Font de la Figuera is produced from younger vines in the region. -
Font de la Figuera (White)
- Grenache
- Chenin Blanc
- Grenache Blanc
- Viognier
85% Viognier, 10% Grenache Blanc and 5% Chenin Blanc. Fermented in 1000 liter stainless steel vats before being aged for 6 month on the lees. A fresh, fruit driven white that is approachable on release but will cellar for at least 5 years. -
Serras de Priorat
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Carignan
- Grenache
- Syrah
60% Grenache, 20% Carignan and 20% Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. Fermented in 2500 stainless steel vats and then aged for 8 months in 500 liter French oak casks. A soft, fruit driven wine that is produced from younger vines in the region.
Winery Contact Details
- Email [email protected]
- Tel +34 (0) 977 83 02 17
- Fax +34 (0) 977 83 04 22
- Website Visit website
Facts & Figures
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Appellation
- Priorat
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Founded
1997
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Area under Vine
18 Hectares
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Age of vines
35 years
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Oak barrel origin
- French
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Winemaker
- Alain Graillot
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Owner
- Christopher Cannan
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Production
30,000 bottles per annum
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Grape varietals
- Grenache, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Mourvedre, Touriga Nacional, Carignan, Viognier, Grenache Blanc, Chenin Blanc
Grape Varieties Used by the Winery
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Red grape
Cabernet Sauvignon
Discover the irresistible allure of Cabernet Sauvignon—a worldwide favorite with robust, dark-bodied flavor. Unleash your wine journey today! View grape -
Red grape
Carignan
Learn about Carignan wine, from old-vine Languedoc and Priorat to its flavor profile, synonyms, food pairings, and best examples. View grape -
Red grape
Grenache
Garnacha: Spain's Red Gem. Akin to Pinot Noir, it bridges terroir and winemaking, crafting captivating expressions. View grape -
Red grape
Mourvedre
Mourvèdre is a red wine grape variety of mysterious origin that's grown around the world, including the Rhone and Provence regions of France. View grape -
Red grape
Syrah
Discover Syrah, from Northern Rhône classics to Shiraz, with flavor profile, regions, aging potential, and food pairings. View grape -
Red grape
Touriga Nacional
Explore Touriga Nacional, Portugal’s flagship red grape, including its role in Port, Douro reds, flavor profile, aging, and food pairings. View grape -
White grape -
White grape
Grenache Blanc
Grenache blanc is a white wine grape varietal popular in the Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Languedoc-Roussillon regions of Southern France. View grape -
White grape
Viognier
Viognier comes from the northern Rhône valley AOC of Condrieu and is where its most famous white wines are produced. View grape
