Gran Clos (1998)
SommeliAI Insights
A robust Priorat red blending Grenache, Carignan, and Cabernet Sauvignon, offering deep fruit flavors with a mineral finish.
About this wine
The 1998 Gran Clos from J.M. Fuentes is a bold red wine from Spain's Priorat region, known for its unique slate soils called 'llicorella.' This blend of Grenache, Carignan, and Cabernet Sauvignon presents deep flavors of blackberry and plum, complemented by subtle hints of spice and mineral undertones. The wine's firm tannins and vibrant acidity provide a well-structured palate, leading to a long, satisfying finish. Priorat's challenging terrain and old vines contribute to the wine's complexity and depth. This vintage showcases the region's ability to produce powerful yet balanced wines that age gracefully.
About the grape
Grenache and Carignan are traditional grape varieties in Spain's Priorat region, with cultivation dating back to the 12th century when Carthusian monks established vineyards there. Grenache, known for its resilience in hot, dry climates, thrives in Priorat's unique llicorella soils, contributing rich, concentrated flavors to the wines. Carignan, often blended with Grenache, adds structure and acidity, enhancing the wine's complexity. Cabernet Sauvignon, a later introduction to the region, brings additional depth and aging potential to the blends. In the 1998 J.M. Fuentes Gran Clos, these varietals are carefully cultivated and blended to reflect the distinctive terroir of Priorat.
Quick facts
- 🍇 The 1998 Gran Clos J.M. Fuentes from Priorat, Spain, is a blend of Grenache, Carignan, and Cabernet Sauvignon, showcasing the region's traditional and international grape varieties.
- ⛰️ Priorat's unique 'llicorella' soil, composed of dark slate and quartz, imparts a distinctive mineral quality to its wines, including the Gran Clos 1998.
- 🏅 The 1998 vintage of Gran Clos received a 90-point rating from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, highlighting its quality and aging potential.
- 🏞️ Gran Clos wines are produced in the village of Bellmunt del Priorat, an area known for its steep, terraced vineyards that contribute to the wine's complexity.
- 🍷 The 1998 Gran Clos was noted for its deep, rich, inky purple color and aromas of fresh blueberries, blackberries, and mineral nuances, offering a velvety smooth texture with fine tannins.
Palate profile
Producer
José Maria da Fonseca, established in 1834 in Azeitão, Portugal, is the country's oldest table wine company. The family-owned winery is renowned for pioneering brands like Periquita, introduced in 1850, and Lancers, a rosé launched in the U.S. in 1944. Operating across regions such as Setúbal, Alentejo, and Douro Valley, the company blends traditional methods with modern technology, including fermenting wine in clay pots, a practice rooted in ancient Roman traditions.
