Mas Doix : 1903 Centenary Grenache 2018

Characteristics and tasting tips for the 1903 Centenary Grenache 2018 from Mas Doix

Tasting

Appearance

The wine displays a deep ruby color with intense violet reflections, gradually lightening toward the edges where garnet nuances emerge.

Nose

The nose expresses a remarkable aromatic intensity, revealing fragrances of ripe red fruits accompanied by dried herbs and creamy oak notes. With aeration, the bouquet evolves toward aromas of eucalyptus, cedar and glycerin, lending the wine a spicy and slightly toasted dimension.

Palate

On the palate, this wine stands out for its power and muscular structure while maintaining remarkable elegance. The texture is dense and silky, carried by generous, well-integrated tannins that bring harmony and balance. The moderate, distinctly mineral acidity reflects the schist terroir and maintains an invigorating freshness. The finish lingers at length with an aromatic persistence that speaks to the exceptional concentration of the fruit.

Food and wine pairing

This 1903 Centenary Grenache 2018 pairs harmoniously with roasted meats such as lamb with Mediterranean herbs, duck served with a red berry sauce, or pork prepared with fruity glazes. It also elevates spiced stews and Iberian charcuterie such as jamón serrano. For cheeses, opt for aged hard cheeses such as Manchego or aged Gruyère.

Serving and storage

The 1903 Centenary Grenache 2018 fully reveals its character after at least one hour of aeration. It is recommended to serve it at a temperature between 16 and 18°C. This wine has substantial cellaring potential, allowing the tannins to soften and the complexity to develop over the years.

An exceptional Grenache from Catalan Priorat, born of very old vines

The estate

Officially founded in 1998 by brothers Valentí and Ramon Llagostera, Mas Doix carries on a family winemaking heritage dating back to 1850. Located in Poboleda within the Priorat appellation in Catalonia, the estate cultivates approximately 20 hectares of vineyards on schist soils (llicorella). Since 2019, Mas Doix has been equally owned by the Llagostera family and Lede Family Wines (Cliff Lede). Sandra Doix currently oversees general management and production. The estate is distinguished by its centenary vines planted as early as 1902 and its certification in organic and biodynamic farming since 2016. Mas Doix quickly established itself as one of Priorat's most acclaimed producers, thanks to exceptional wines regularly praised by international critics.

The vineyard

The 1903 Centenary Grenache comes primarily from Grenache (Garnacha) vines planted in 1903. These vines are cultivated on the steep slopes (costers) characteristic of Priorat, at an altitude between 350 and 500 meters. The terroir is based on llicorella, the decomposing schist typical of the appellation that gives the wines their distinctive minerality. Poboleda benefits from an elevated, cool position within Priorat, exposed to cold northwesterly winds that promote remarkable natural acidity. Yields are deliberately limited, with only 300 grams of grapes per vine, requiring approximately four vines to produce a single bottle. The vineyard is managed under certified organic farming and biodynamic principles, with exclusively manual harvesting.

Winemaking and aging

The grapes for the 1903 Centenary Grenache 2018 are hand-harvested in small 10-kilogram crates, then undergo a rigorous double selection, berry by berry, on sorting tables. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks with neutral yeasts, followed by an extended three-week maceration on the skins to maximize the extraction of aromatic and tannic compounds. The wine is then aged for 16 months in new very fine-grained French oak barrels. Bottling is carried out without fining or filtration in order to preserve the full complexity developed during aging. Each bottle is numbered, underscoring the ultra-exclusive character of this cuvée, whose production does not exceed 361 bottles per vintage.

Grape variety

100% Grenache (Garnacha)