Nin y Ortiz

Amongst the highest altitude parcels of Priorat lie the parcels of Nin y Oritz, situated in Porrera in close proximity to Torroja. Ester Nin and Carles Oritz were independent vignerons until their paths crossed in 2008. Ester arrived from Penedès to Priorat in 2001, and after several projects she bought a small, steep parcel of 1ha in 2004. This became the site of her first cuvée Nit de Nin which produced only 900 bottles the first year. The vines are between 80-100 years old and the soils are licorella schist, which gives the wines their distinctive flint character. Carles had arrived in the region slightly earlier in 1998 and bought the parcel for Finca Les Planetes which he replanted according to biodynamic principles. In subsequent years, the couple has purchased a further 2ha of neighbouring vines, next to Nit de Nin, bringing the total parcel to 3 ha. They have also started to produce a 'Garnatxes en Amphora' since 2013 and 'Selma de Nin' from a parcel outside of Priorat planted with Chenin Blanc, Marsanne, Parellada and Rousanne. Like many of the World's great vignerons, they focus the majority of their energy in the vineyards, adopting vigorous biodynamic practices and allowing the grapes the freedom to decide their own path once they reach the cellar.