Pasanau
Ceps Nous Priorat – 2023
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
Several vineyard plots at the base of the Serra de Montsant rock precipice, near La Morera de Montsant, among the highest vineyards in D.O.Q. Priorat.
- Altitude: 2300 feet
- Soil: Sandstone conglomerates and lime cement
- Vines Planted: 2000
Harvest Notes
- Mild winter with little rain
- Budding and flowering a few days early
- Quite warm summer
- Hand harvested in early September
- Destemmed, crushed and fermentation in stainless steel tanks for 17 days with daily stirring
- Aged 11 months in 225 liter French oak barrels
- Bottled in June 2025
Winemaker's Notes
Ruby red with dark glints. Concentrated blackberry aromas leading to red fruits and a touch of vanilla. Mineral notes with dark red and black fruits on the palate. Firm tannins and
Priorat’s typical minerality lend tension and strength.
Wine Summary
76% Garnatxa Negra, 11% Carinyena, 5% Merlot 5% Syrah, 3% Cabernet Franc; alcohol: 15.5%; among the highest vineyards in D.O.Q. Priorat at base of Serra de Montsant, 2300 feet; sandstone conglomerates with lime cement soils; vines planted 2000; hand harvested early September; fermented in stainless steel tanks 17 days with daily stirring; aged 11 months after malolactic fermentation in 225 liter French oak barrels; bottled June 2025.
Technical Information
- 76% Garnatxa Negra, 11% Carinyena, 5% Merlot 5% Syrah, 3% Cabernet Franc
- Alcohol: 15.5%
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 |