Clos Lentiscus : The Edge of Penedès
In 2001, Manel Aviñó and his brother Joan returned to their family’s 14th century estate Can Ramon after the death of their father. Conventionally farming the land, their father sold the fruit instead of commercially selling wine. In the 19th and 20th centuries, Can Ramon had a successful history of selling wine to France and the American colonies (factors such as the Spanish Civil War, phylloxera and industrialization ultimately lead to its decline). Clos Lentiscus was created to recover the brilliance the estate once enjoyed and to continue the work of past generations.
The estate is located at 740 feet altitude in the small town of Sant Pere de Ribes near Sitges. To the northeast is the rugged land of the Garraf Mountains and to the south is the Mediterranean Sea. The property sits on a calcareous mass, with shallow soils containing marine fossils. The coastal climate and special soil contribute a unique mineral character.
Organic (certified by CCPAE) and biodynamic farming methods have transformed the property into a living, breathing ecosystem. These methods are used to encourage a healthy estate with energy and soul, and thus wine with energy and soul. No pesticides or herbicides are used. The phases of the moon dictate planting, pruning, harvesting and bottling. Bee hives help pollination. Sheep fertilize the soil and graze the property to naturally control weeds. Plowing occurs with Ringo, the horse.
While Joan left the family business a few years ago, Manel's daughter Núria joined the winery in 2019, and helps her father with all aspects of the business, including the making of the wines.
The work in the cellar reflects the land; Manel interferes as little as possible. Primary and secondary fermentation occur with native yeast. Ambient yeast harvested from the wine tanks and honey harvested from their bees are used to spark the second fermentation in bottle. No other additions or enzymes are used. Manel stopped using sulfites when his wife got diagnosed with stomach cancer. Authenticity, purity, and crisp minerality define Clos Lentiscus.
Discover more about them, and their available wines here.
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Cheers,
Le Sommelier
416.603.7026
bernard@lesommelier.com
