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In 1989 Álvaro Palacios and René Barbier talked their friend Daphne Glorian into an adventure: investing all her savings in old Garnacha vines on 17 terraces near Gratallops. The result was Clos i Terrasses – and the legendary Clos Erasmus, the Priorat's first 100-point wine. Since 2004 Daphne has farmed biodynamically, supported by Ester Nin. Two wines are made here: the more approachable Laurel and the monumental Clos Erasmus – both icons of the modern Priorat.
More about Clos i Terrasses
The story of Clos i Terrasses begins with a group of young dreamers in the late 1980s. When the Priorat was still sleeping its Sleeping Beauty sleep, René Barbier, Álvaro Palacios, José Luis Pérez and Daphne Glorian recognised the potential of the spectacular slate terraces. The first ten vintages were made in Barbier's cellar at Clos Mogador, until Daphne took over a cellar of her own from Palacios.
The Sites: Escales, Aubagues, Socarrats
The heart is Escales – 1.7 hectares on seventeen terraces, surrounded by forest, with vines some of which are over 80 years old. Clos Erasmus grows here on pure Llicorella slate. The later additions Aubagues and Socarrats supply grapes for Laurel – Daphne's second wine, named after the English translation of her first name.
From Cult to Legend
Clos Erasmus was the first wine of the Priorat to receive 100 Parker points – and it did so more than once. Despite this recognition Daphne remained modest: production is at most twelve barriques, and the allocation is strictly limited. The wine unites Garnacha and Syrah in a monument – dark, spicy, yet silky and of cool elegance.
Innovation and Tradition
Since 2004 Daphne has worked according to biodynamic principles. In the cellar, concrete vats and amphorae now complement the traditional barriques and foudres. Laurel – a cuvée of Garnacha, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon – shows dark fruit paired with pure minerality: a Priorat in perfection, more approachable than its big brother but no less fascinating.