Manyetes 2023

The wine's story:

Manyetes is a named site in the village of Gratallops and a Clos Mogador wine made only from its Carinyena; the label carries the Vi de Paratge designation. The vineyard covers 3.5 hectares at about 250 metres on slate. In 2023 drought kept the crop very small, and 1,600 bottles were made. Wine Advocate rated Manyetes 2023 95 points.

The Manyetes story began in 1999, when Clos Mogador started making the wine Clos Manyetes for its Belgian friend Luc van Iseghem. Clos Mogador later rented the neighbouring Carinyena plot, planted on a slope in 1974, and used it for the Gratallops Vi de Vila wine from 2007 to 2017. In 2018 Clos Mogador bought the whole Carinyena plot together with an adjacent vineyard planted in 1961–1962, and also acquired the Manyetes name.

René Barbier founded the Clos Mogador winery in Gratallops in 1979; the wines are made, aged and bottled on the estate. The winemaking is led by René Barbier Meyer.

Winemaking:

The wine is 100% Carinyena. Fermentation starts with native yeasts, and 40% of the bunches are fermented with their stems. The wine aged for 6 months in 600-litre oak barrels and then 10 months in concrete amphorae, and was bottled in July 2025.

Tasting notes:

A concentrated, lively red with ripe tannins. Wine Advocate describes Manyetes 2023 as a concentrated, medium- to full-bodied wine with abundant fine-grained tannins, ripeness and a slightly rustic strength. René Barbier Meyer describes the 2023 wines as concentrated but pleasantly balanced, with round tannins and surprising liveliness. The Dutch shop Grand Cru Wijnen highlights ripe tannins, freshness and a long, mineral finish.

Food pairing:

Grilled lamb chops – Carinyena's acidity and tannins suit richer meat. Braised beef cheek; roast wild boar; aged sheep's cheese.

Ratings & accolades:

Wine Advocate – 95/100 (2023)

Wine Advocate – 95/100 (2022)