It was a day in July 1997 when René Barbier introduced Christopher and Charlotte Cannan to an abandoned vineyard just north of Gratallops called “Figueres.” That same day, the entire Cannan family followed René to Barcelona, where—at a pavement café beneath Gaudí’s iconic “La Pedrera” on the Paseo de Gracia—they met the vineyard’s owner, a charming widow and schoolteacher. Negotiations were swift and straightforward, with land values still modest at the time. By October 1997, the purchase was complete, and the hard work began. René Barbier and his team agreed to manage the estate, which the Cannans named Clos Figueras—“Clos” reflecting its 10 contiguous hectares, as was customary in Priorat, and “Figueras” in honor of the two grand fig trees on the property. The terrain, abandoned for eight years, required extensive preparation. While a few old Carignan vines and a grove of ancient olive trees were salvaged, most of the land needed to be replanted.
Winery Tasting Notes: Serras del Priorat 2022 is a pale yellow white wine with green highlights that denotes youth. Clean and bright. Fresh in the mouth with great balance, showing refreshing hints of pears and yellow fruit including peaches and apricots. A touch of minerality on a bright long finish.
