Pasanau Ceps Nous Priorat 2008

Youthful, deeply colored, and loaded with polished flavors, the 2008 Pasanau Ceps Nous provides the ideal introduction to the hedonistic, age worthy wines of Priorat. Unlike some of its compatriots, Ceps Nous drinks well from the time it is released. Yet, it will improve in bottle for at least another 5 years. Redolent with the scents of berry fruits, forest woodlands, anise and spice, the 2008 Ceps Nous will dazzle the nose for hours after it is opened. Equally impressive are the wealth of plush, sophisticated, deep down flavors that make Pasanau’s Ceps Nous so enthralling. A blend of primarily Garnacha with healthy dollops of Mazuelo, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah, the 2008 Ceps Nous reflects the best qualities of its respective components. For optimal results, give this round, flavorful, palate pleasing Priorat an hour or more to breathe: it will more than reward your patience.

Invariably, food and wine enhance each other. And although the polished and flavorful 2008 Pasanau Ceps Nous can stand firmly on its own, it is a true delight to drink with any number of well prepared foods. We have enjoyed this delicious Priorat with simply prepared dishes as well as many classic Spanish favorites. Certainly, fine cuts of beef, lamb, and pork are elevated in the presence of Ceps Nous. Yet, authentic paella made with chicken, shrimp, scallops, and at least a few slices of chorizo sausage is a clear standout in the presence of the 2008 Ceps Nous. Other traditional Spanish fare marries well with this wine, too, as do many regional Italian specialties such as Chicken with Black Olives and Capers, Three Cheese Soft Polenta, and Crepes with Porcini Mushrooms. The 2008 Ceps Nous won’t fade in the presence of hearty stews, black beans and rice, or spicy fajitas, either. Enjoy!

Since the 1990s, the Pasanau family and their beloved Priorat have achieved international fame. Today, Priorat remains Spain’s “hottest” wine producing region, fashioning an increasing number of sensational wines. At the forefront of Priorat’s success has been the Pasanau estate. Pasanau commands the high ground in Priorat, literally and figuratively. At over 2,400 feet, Pasanau’s Finca La Planeta, which is devoted entirely to Cabernet Sauvignon, dominates Priorat’s arid landscape. Planted on gravely scree and slate this 12.5-acre vineyard yields in great vintages one of the most intense and unique of all Priorat wines. The Pasanau estate includes equally impressive parcels of ancient, ungrafted Garnacha and Mazuelo vines from which La Morera – a traditional Priorat style of wine – is fashioned. Yet, equally impressive is Pasanau’s Ceps Nous, a delicious more contemporary style of Priorat, comprised primarily of Priorat’s traditional grape varietals, Garnacha (Grenache) and Mazuelo (also known as Cariñena or Carignan), to which a healthy dollop of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah from young vines is added. Small amounts of excellent Viognier are also crafted at this exceptional property. Working out of a small modern bodega that was completed in 1995, Pasanau fashions some of Spain’s most compelling wines. Here, grapes are routinely picked quite late, often not until late October, in order to extract the greatest intensity from each low yielding vine. All tanks are gravity fed and racking and fining are done only during a full moon using all natural ingredients, which says quite a bit about this estate’s commitment to excellence as well as its biodynamic practices.