Sangenís i Vaqué Clos Monlleó 2012 – Priorat’s powerful soul in a bottle

Clos Monlleó 2012 is Priorat at its most intense, serious and uncompromising. A rare and exclusive red wine from Sangenís i Vaqué in Porrera, created for the discerning wine lover looking for depth, structure and true terroir. This is not a wine to be rushed – it is a wine that deserves time, attention and respect.

The wine is made from 50% Carignan and 50% Grenache from over 50 year old vines growing in Priorat’s iconic llicorella slate. Yields are low, concentration high and expression uncompromising. After fermentation, the wine is aged for a full 18 months in 100% new French oak barrels from Allier, giving structure, depth and complexity without overpowering the power and mineral nerve of the fruit.

Clos Monlleó is neither filtered nor clarified and is only produced in very limited quantities – typically 2000-4000 bottles per vintage. The result is a dark, concentrated and powerful Priorat wine with an impressive balance between strength and elegance and great ageing potential. An obvious candidate for the wine cellar – or as a large glass for a special occasion.

Tasting notes

The color is dark and dense ruby red with garnet shades at the edge. The nose is intense and complex with aromas of ripe dark berries, licorice and dried fruit, beautifully supported by distinct minerality from the slate soil. The barrel aging contributes elegant notes of vanilla, cocoa and roasted coffee. The palate is rich and structured with silky tannins, deep fruit sweetness and layer upon layer of spicy and mineral nuances. The finish is long, persistent and impressively balanced – a wine that develops beautifully both in the glass and over time.

House history – Sangenís i Vaqué

Sangenís i Vaqué is closely linked to the modern rebirth of Porrera and Priorat. In 1978, Pere Sangenís and Conxita Vaqué replanted the family’s historic vineyards and were among the pioneers who rediscovered the area’s enormous potential. However, the family wine tradition dates back to 1886, when Conxita’s grandfather, Josep Simó, produced and sold wine from the house in Plaça Catalunya – the same place where the wines are still vinified today. Today, daughters Maria and Núria continue the work with their father, focusing on low yields, respect for the land and wines with a clear identity. Clos Monlleó is the flagship of the house and a concentrated expression of nature, heritage and uncompromising craftsmanship.

• Producer: Sangenís i Vaqué
• Wine: Red wine
• Vintage: 2012
• Grape varieties: 50% Carignan, 50% Grenache
• Age of the vines: Over 50 years old
• Origin: DOQ Priorat, Spain
• Aging: 18 months in 100% new French oak barrels (Allier)
• Vinification: Unfiltered and unclarified
• Alcohol content: 15.5%
• Content: 75 cl
• Serving temperature: 16-18 °C
• Food match: Grilled meats, braised dishes, strong cheeses
• Aging potential: 10-15 years