Pasanau
Ceps Nous Priorat – 2020
Region: Spain - Cataluña
Pasanau
For centuries, the Pasanau family has cultivated vineyards in the Priorat. The vineyards are located in the highest municipality of the region, skirting the sheer rock wall of the Sierra de Montsant which forms Priorat’s viticultural boundary. Gravelly scree eroded from the cliffs covers the underlying llicorella slate and together with the elevation creates a less Mediterranean microclimate relative to the region as a whole.
At over 743 m (2,400 feet) above sea level, Pasanau’s “Finca La Planeta” dominates the regional landscape and experiences Priorat’s widest daily temperature variation. This helps to retain freshness in the grapes, resulting in a uniquely tight knit, albeit typically powerful Priorat style. At the end of the 19th century, phylloxera devastated all of the vineyards. They were replanted post phylloxera by Grandfather Joan Pasanau. In the 80’s Joan’s grandson Ricard took over. Since his death in 2020, Ricard’s nephew Jordi Pasanau has been at the forefront carrying on his family’s legacy. Today Pasanau is reaching new heights in the expression of Tempranillo and Cabernet Sauvignon planted in their Priorat estate vineyards.
The Wine
Vineyard Profile
11 estate vineyard plots at the base of the Serra de Montsant rock precipice, near La Morera de Montsant, the highest vineyards in D.O.Q. Priorat.
- Altitude: 2300 feet
- Soil: Sandstone conglomerates and lime cement
- Vines Planted: 2000
Harvest Notes
- Hand harvested early September
- Destemmed, lightly crushed
- Fermentation in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks for 17 days with daily pumpovers
- Aged 6 months in 225 liter French oak barrels
- Bottled July 2022
Winemaker's Notes
Cherry color with purple hues. Concentrated aromas of black fruits and balsamic notes. With aeration, red fruits and vanilla notes develop. Blueberry, blackberry, raspberry and redcurrant flavors on the medium to full bodied palate, well balanced with firm to slightly smooth tannins. The taste is rich without loosing any tension.
Wine Summary
100% Grenache; alcohol: 15%; highest vineyards in D.O.Q. Priorat at base of Serra de Montsant, 2300 feet; sandstone conglomerates with lime cement soils; vines planted 2000; vineyards carefully managed to limit yields; hand harvested; fermented in stainless steel tanks 17 days with daily pumpovers; aged 6 months in 225 liter French oak barrels; bottled July 2022.
Technical Information
- 100% Grenache
- Alcohol: 15%
Reviews
90 Points
Black fruits and umami brighten with air into a cascade of red, blue and black plums and berries with a hint of sweetness through the finish. Full bodied and generous with poise.
Wine Enthusiast, April, 2025
General Info
| COUNTRY | Spain |
| REGION | Cataluña |
| APPELLATION | D.O.C. Priorat |
| PROPRIETORS | The Pasanau Family, headed by Jordi Pasanau |
| WINEMAKER | Sandra Doix |
| ANNUAL PRODUCTION | 2,916 9L cases |
| FARMING (SUSTAINABLE, ORGANIC, BIODYNAMIC) | Sustainably farmed, organic vineyards using minimal intervention winemaking techniques |