Winery: Saó del Coster                                            

Region: La Vilella Baixa - D.O.Q. Priorat

Vintage: 2015                                       

Bottle: 75 cl                                                   

Grape Varieties:  100% Samsó (Carignan) - Centenarian vines

Type: Red wine crianza

Alcohol Volume: 14,5% vol

Serving Temperature: 15º - 17º

La Pujada, the most emblematic wine of Saó del Coster, is a single varietal of centenarian-old Carignan vines planted in 1927.

A single estate wine of very limited production from the "La Pujada" estate. A 1 hectare vineyard located at 350 meters above sea level in the municipality of La Vilella Baixa, on a pronounced steep slope with a 45º inclination.

The soil is composed of crushed licorella, rich in iron and mica but poor in organic matter. The vineyard is biodynamically farmed, with all work being done by hand and ploughed by mule.

Production:

The grapes are manually picked, with a strict selection made grape by grape on the sorting table. Whole grapes are pre-macerated in cold for 2 days. Gravity-fed and under protection in a reductive atmosphere to preserve the quality of the grapes.

Fermentation and maceration at a controlled temperature of 28 ºC maximum in 500-litre stainless steel vats for 3 weeks, exclusively with natural indigenous yeasts.

The wine is aged for 18 months in 225-liter French oak barrels of second use. The barrel is previously selected for this wine. 

850 bottles produced.

Tasting Notes:  Finely crafted, this is a perfect expression of the Priorat style, displaying the classical characteristics of the Carignan varietal with a sumptuous palate of rich, classy ripe fruit, blackcurrant, blueberry, tobacco notes, and beautifully integrated spice. It has an ample, structured mouthfeel that is ripe and warm. Spicy, supple, rounded tannins.

Notes: One hour of decanting before serving is recommended. Ideal for laying down. It will keep going for years.

THE WINERY Saó del Coster

The Saó del Coster wine project was launched in 2004 by Fredi Torres with the help of a group of Swiss shareholders and friends. The project is based on sustainable viticulture, which follows the principles of minimal intervention, respects the natural growing cycles, and applies biodynamic treatments.

The vines are sourced from two plots they own, “Planassos” and “La Pujada”, which are both in the municipality of Gratallops,  growing on terraced hillsides and slopes on slatey soils. Saó del Coster uses only native varieties, some of which are over 60 years old, and only indigenous natural yeast.

In 2018, after a difficult period marked by the loss of some harvest, disagreements between the founding partners, Freddy Torres' departure, and poor management of the winery, Saó del Coster entered into liquidation.

A year later, Jöel Chevallaz, one of the founding partners and active member since the beginning, teamed up with Patrick Pochon, owner of half the land and creditor of the winery, to repurchase the assets and restart the original project, for that they have a new winemaker and count on the advise and help of well experimented oenologist. The project is already back to life and promising, it has re-emerged with enthusiasm and strength, continuing with the same principles, which are already evident in its wines.