Mas Doix : Doix 2018

Characteristics and tasting tips for the Doix 2018 by Mas Doix

Tasting

Appearance

The wine displays a deep purplish-red hue with violet highlights.

Nose

The nose reveals a beautiful aromatic intensity with notes of black fruit (blackberries, black cherries) and red fruit (raspberries, plums). The bouquet is enriched by spicy nuances (black pepper, cinnamon, anise) and Mediterranean aromas of thyme. The terroir's characteristic minerality comes through in touches of graphite and stone. Subtle woody notes of cedar and tobacco complete this complex aromatic palette.

Palate

On the palate, this wine stands out for its full-bodied structure and controlled power. Ripe black fruit dominates the attack, supported by silky tannins and a lovely mineral freshness. The balance between the generosity of the Grenache and the verticality of the Carignan gives the wine a texture that is both fleshy and elegant. The finish lingers on fruity and mineral notes.

Food and wine pairings

This wine pairs ideally with roasted red meats, feathered game, and sausage-based dishes. It also goes beautifully with Iberian charcuterie, particularly jamón and chorizo, as well as firm aged cheeses.

Serving and storage

The Doix 2018 benefits from being decanted one hour before serving to reveal its full aromatic complexity. Serve at a temperature of 16–18°C. This wine can be enjoyed now but has excellent aging potential through approximately 2032, or even beyond depending on storage conditions.

A powerful and mineral Priorat wine from century-old vines

The estate

Mas Doix was founded in 1998 by brothers Valentí and Ramón Llagostera, carrying on a family winemaking tradition dating back to 1850. Located in Poboleda, the estate is nestled in the heart of Catalonia, in the coolest area of the Priorat appellation. The estate manages approximately twenty hectares of its own vineyards. Since 2019, the Llagostera family has partnered with Cliff Lede, a Canadian owner based in California, who holds a 50% stake in the estate. This collaboration led to the construction of a new modern winery inaugurated in 2020. Certified organic since 2016 and practicing biodynamics, Mas Doix distinguishes itself through its environmental commitment and its dedication to faithfully expressing the terroir of Poboleda through elegant and mineral wines.

The vineyard

Doix 2018 comes from plots situated between 350 and 510 meters above sea level on the hillsides of Poboleda, in the Priorat. The vines grow on llicorella soils, a schist characteristic of the region composed of 75% pure rock. These old Grenache vines, aged 80 years, and century-old Carignan, some planted as far back as 1902, develop root systems that can reach eighteen meters deep. The Mediterranean climate with continental influence, marked by significant temperature variations and cool northwesterly winds, promotes slow ripening and excellent preservation of acidity. Naturally low yields, in the range of 200 to 300 grams per vine, intensely concentrate the aromas in the berries.

The vintage

The 2018 vintage benefited from balanced climatic conditions in the Priorat, with moderate temperatures and more favorable rainfall than in 2017. The growing season proceeded without excessive water stress, allowing for harmonious ripening of the grapes. Harvesting began according to the usual schedule in Poboleda, approximately one week later than in the warmer sectors of the appellation, ensuring optimal physiological maturity while preserving the characteristic freshness of wines from this Spanish terroir.

Winemaking and aging

The grapes for Doix 2018 are hand-harvested in small ten-kilogram crates. They undergo a rigorous double sorting, before and after destemming, to retain only perfect berries. Single-plot vinification takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks and large wooden vats, with spontaneous fermentation using indigenous yeasts. After an extended maceration, the wine is aged for sixteen months in new extra-fine-grain French oak barrels. The final blend is assembled before bottling in March 2019, without filtration or fining, thus preserving all the complexity and finesse of the tannins.

Grape varieties

Carignan (55%)
Grenache (45%)