High up on the Montsant mountains, at over 1,000 meters, Priorat resembles a turbulent sea of vines swaying in the ocean breeze delivered by the river valleys from the nearby coast. Valleys and hills look like large static waves breaking on sharp-angled stone blocks. Geological faults and creases and the slow, relentless flow of the rivers Siurana, Montsant and Cortiella have shaped a mesmerizing landscape of distinct contrasts, punctuated by the mysterious and majestic Montsant mountain range. The steep, terraced slate slopes of old vines undulating in the breeze are known as costers. 

The wines of Costers del Priorat emphasize nuance and elegance over power, a philosophical departure from the strong, tannic wines that once defined Priorat. Winemaker Jose Mas Barberà works with organically-farmed, indigenous grape varieties from very old bush-trained vineyards, with a relentless focus on terroir and village expression in one of Spain’s most important wine regions. 

Jose and the Costers team work with the utmost respect for their land. Their goal is to uplift the Priorat region to the highest international level by crafting small quantities of hyper-elegant cuvées that push innovation forward. As they do so, they are always sourcing inspiration from their deep knowledge of the region, and their respect for its history and traditions. Energy, elegance, and clarity are the defining elements of the project, making Jose Mas Barberà one of the most charismatic and exciting winemakers to watch in Spain. 

Costers has painstakingly put together an incredible collection of small parcels of old vines in a diverse set of terroirs in eight Priorat villages from south to north: El Molar, Bellmunt del Priorat, Gratallops, Masos de Falset, La Vilella Baixa, Torroja del Priorat, Porrera, and La Morera del Monsant. This gives them an unprecedented variety of microclimates to craft some of the most forward-thinking wines of the region.  

With all of the focus drawn by the red wines of Priorat, it is often the white wines that can be the most surprising and enticing—Rocafosca Priorat Blanc being a prime example. Essentially a “Premier Cru” wine, Rocafosca Blanc is produced from an extreme selection from three hectares of old vines planted in four vineyards, located in three distinct villages: Mas Alsera from Torroja del Priorat, Aubagues and Sant Martí from Bellmunt del Priorat, and Planets from La Vilella Baixa. Garnacha blanca, macabeo, pedro ximénez, and muscat blanc à petits grains varieties are all separately handpicked from high-elevation sites and vinified in the Catalan brisat style, with a seven-day skin maceration. This style lends incredible texture, structure, and complexity to the wine. Rocafosca Priorat Blanc dazzles with an exquisite juxtaposition between lush fruit and fresh slate minerality, with an electric palate and unforgettable finish.

Vinification – Each variety is hand-harvested individually in the vineyard, followed by a stringent second selection. Grapes are destemmed and allowed to macerate for seven days on the skins in the Catalan brisat style, then gently pressed and allowed to spontaneously ferment with ambient yeast, half in steel tanks and half in 2000 liter French foudre for three months. The wine is racked and aged on the fine lees for 11 months before bottling.

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