Celler Cal Pla

Celler de Joan Sangenís, one of the oldest grape-growing families in the Priorat, historically sold their grapes to the local cooperative until forming a new company in 1995 to bottle wine under their Celler Cal Pla label. Based in Porrera, they own 80 hectares of south-facing vineyards with an average age of 50 years and several small parcels of 100+ year old vines of Garnacha and Carignan. The oldest vineyards are situated on steep slopes known as 'costers' and the younger vines are found on the northwest facing terraces. The topsoil, composed of slate and quartz-rock, appears dark grey and often nearly black. Beneath this there is a base of reddish slate with particles of quartz rock and high in mineral content.The altitude of the vines is between 300-400m.Joan Sangenís, the enormously talented, young owner and winemaker spends 10 months in the vineyards and 2 months in the cellar, explaining that great wines come from great grapes, and not great hands. Maintaining healthy vineyards with weeks of ploughing ensures that they never have to use any chemical herbicides or pesticides. The secret of both his red and white wines is the basis of their blend - Garnacha - produced from the grapes of old, low-yielding vines. The white, one of only three produced in DOC Priorat, has been awarded the title of best Spanish white. The winery is equipped with modern stainless steel installations.