Profile of Clos Figueras

Although this small but imposing property is barely 16 years old, Clos Figueras has already taken its place as one of the leaders in this exciting and constantly evolving appellation. The talented owner, entrepreneur, and wine distributor Christopher Cannan is one of many individuals who have transformed this formerly unremarkable D.O. from a rustic backwater into an important wine region. His energy, commitment, and drive are remarkable, as he constantly strives to push the boundaries of what can be achieved in this once forgotten corner of Catalonia. Even though vineyards have been planted in this province of the Tarragona region since Roman times, it was only since a group of enthusiasts ‘discovered’ the area’s virtues in the 1980s that the Priorat region rose to the forefront of Spain’s best wine regions.

Clos Figueras was founded in 1997, although the current owner Christopher Cannan had, in fact, been exporting top Priorat wines through his company Europvin since the 1980s. After years of extolling the virtues of this great region to wine lovers across the world, he decided to invest in an abandoned vineyard just north of the town of Gratallops. With the help of dynamic estate owner and winemaker Rene Barbier – who is basically the founding father of modern Priorat – they replanted the 10-hectare estate on the famous Priorat slate/schist soils known as “llicorella,” which yield the powerful, minerally wines for which the region is renowned. In 2000, Clos Figueras acquired another 8 hectares of land, giving them a superb collection of Grenache, Carignan, Mourvedre, and Syrah vineyards. After initially releasing one wine in 1999, their 2001 Clos Figueras vintage met with universal consumer and critical acclaim and was awarded 96 points by the illustrious wine critic Robert Parker.

Today, Christopher and his wife Charlotte are continuing their hard work in crafting world-class wines that are enjoyed worldwide. Clos Figueras’ first wine is a superb example of old-vine Grenache and Carignan producing wines of depth, weight, and every other dimension! Their second and third labels complement their star wine by being excellent value and softer, rounder, and more approachable. Then, there is the stunning white – Font de la Figuera – a rare find in this red-dominated part of Spain. A fascinating blend of Viognier, Grenache Blanc, and Chenin Blanc, the wine has become a benchmark for white Priorat and has great style and intensity. And if this wasn’t enough, Clos Figueras has a superb restaurant, makes sublime olive oil on their estate, and welcomes visitors at any time of the year.

Wines produced

  • Clos Figueras

    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)

    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)

    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

    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 details

Clos Figueras

Carrer de la Font, 38
43737 Gratallops
Tarragona
Tel +34 (0) 977 83 02 17
Fax +34 (0) 977 83 04 22

Appellation
Priorat
Founded
1997
Area under vine
18 Hectares
Age of vines
35 years
Oak barrel origin
French
Winemaker
Alain Graillot
Owner
Christopher Cannan
Production
30,000 bottles per annum
Grape varietals
Grenache, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Mourvedre, Touriga Nacional, Carignan, Viognier, Grenache Blanc, Chenin Blanc

More information

If you would like us to customize an exclusive, luxury tour for you, get in touch with us and let us know your travel plans. We offer luxury food and wine tours for private groups of minimum 2 guests. All of our private, chauffeured tours are available year round upon request.

Contact us for your personalized quote!
Cellar Tours Private Luxury Food & Wine Tours

Cellar Tours

Cellar Tours is a Luxury Travel Specialist, operating since 2003 and offering exclusive Mercedes chauffeured Gourmet Vacations in Chile, France, Italy, Ireland, Portugal, South Africa, and Spain. We specialize in luxurious custom designed vacations, events and incentives related to food and wine. We are proud members of Slow Food, UNAV (Travel Agency Association in Spain), and the IACP (International Association of Culinary Professionals).

Recommended by