Vinyes Domènech

Joan Ignasi Domènech, who owns the winery, is a businessman whose only previous link with the wine world at the beginning was that his family came from Falset (Priorat). In 2002, attracted by the fascinating world of wine and with the full support of his wife and two sons, he created his own winery: Vinyes Domènech, which is a truly exemplary estate with10 ha of vineyards situated in an environment of great ecological interest (the whole15 ha estate lies within a protected natural area). Above all else, Joan Ignasi is a pleasant natured person, who talks about his vineyards and vines with great affection, worried about an ailing plant that might not survive the harsh winter weather; and this is not driven by any commercial concern, but by true love: he takes consummate care of his vineyards and they reward him by giving their best.

The countryside surrounding the Vinyes Domènech vineyards is exceptionally beautiful: an environment in which human activity appears to have played only a minor part, or as Joan Ignasi likes to call it, 'his very own Tuscany', a place to lose oneself amongst olive and almond trees, and vineyards — an atmosphere which appreciably exudes only peace and tranquillity. Situated at the foot of the Llaberia and Montalt Sierras, with the Mediterranean Sea behind and Montsant to the north, these vineyards enjoy a favourable microclimate resulting in excellent fruit ripeness and some remarkable features, such as soil type and orientation, perfect for cultivating the finest quality grapes. In their successful attempt at imparting all the character of this magnificent setting and terroir, the Domènech family also count on the professional services of one of the most highly-regarded oenologists presently working in the area, Toni Coca.

Vinyes Domènech have several wines on the market, among which Furvus, an interesting coupage of Garnacha Peluda (hairy Grenache) and Merlot; Vinyes Domènech Empelts de Garnatxa Peluda, a high expression, single varietal Garnacha Peluda; Bancal del Bosc Blanc, a white made with Garnacha Blanca; and a third red, Bancal del Bosc, a blend of Garnacha, Cabernet and Syrah.

Vinyes Domènech have adopted a programme of ecological viticulture; they abide by the lunar calendar in all of the production processes and the new winery has been designed with the principles of bioclimatic architecture in mind, thereby benefitting from any natural resources and lessening the environmental impact. Or to put it another way, they have understood how to make the most of the advantages offered by modern technology and learnt from the wisdom of times past, so as to obtain and enjoy the best that nature can offer.