Nelin is the result of two parallel souls -the balance between the feminine and the masculine side in its youth culminating in the true expression of Priorat at its best.
A renowned Catalan journalist recently wrote: “Today, Catalunya is represented by some great chefs and by the wines of Priorat.
We were aware that it would be difficult to marry our rich, powerful red wines to some of the newer recipes so we hope that Nelin proves an ideal partner.
The Grenache is evocative of the parched hills on mineral slate where the spicy quince flavours are in evidence.
The Macabeu has adapted beautifully to our climate, planted close to small streams, which impart delicate orange flower aromas.
The Escanyavelles lends its solid structure to the wine and ensures a lengthy future to the wine due to its tannins and acidity. At the same time, this little stranger reminds us of the long-standing association of the Barbier family with France!
This year, our wild yeasts were slightly lazier than they were for other vintages and the
fermentation process was slower and took up to six months in some cases.
The wine was aged in large vats of 1,200 litre oak vessels and 600 litre concrete vessels. In
total and for the first time, Nelin was bottled after 16 months. With Nelin 2011, we have
gone for initial complexity when the wine is still young, as well as adding more stability
in order for the wine to age better.
I think that this year we have taken a great leap forward in making a great age-worthy
white wine which remains true to its Mediterranean origins.
2012
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