Doix, Mas
Summary
Mas Doix is a family-owned boutique winery in Spain's Priorat region, established in 1998 after generations of grape growing dating to 1850, producing concentrated Garnacha and Cariñena wines from steep, terraced vineyards with distinctive llicorella slate soils. Their traditional approach includes hand-harvesting century-old vines, parcel-specific vinification in small tanks, and French oak aging, preserving the historical continuity that defines their authentic expressions of ancestral lands.
Heritage & Leadership
Mas Doix was formally established in 1998 when the Doix and Llagostera families, who have deep roots in the Priorat region of Catalunya, Spain, decided to produce wine commercially from their ancestral vineyards. The family's viticultural heritage dates back to 1850, when they first acquired vineyards in the village of Poboleda. Throughout the phylloxera crisis that devastated European vineyards in the late 19th century, the family maintained their commitment to the land, replanting with native varieties that would become the foundation of their modern winemaking endeavor.
The winery represents a continuation of family tradition, with Ramón Llagostera and Valentí Llagostera leading the operation. Their decision to transition from grape growing to winemaking came as the Priorat region itself was experiencing a renaissance, transforming from a forgotten rural area to one of Spain's most respected wine appellations. The first commercial vintage of Mas Doix was released in 1998, marking the beginning of their contribution to Priorat's modern wine history.
Vineyards & Wines
Mas Doix's vineyards are situated in the village of Poboleda within the DOQ Priorat appellation, characterized by the region's distinctive llicorella soil—a decomposed slate that forces vines to develop deep root systems in search of water and nutrients. Their vineyard holdings include parcels of old-vine Garnacha and Cariñena, with some plantings dating back to 1902, making them among the oldest productive vines in the region.
The estate's vineyards are planted on steep slopes at elevations ranging from 350 to 500 meters above sea level, creating a challenging growing environment that contributes to the concentration and character of their wines. These terraced vineyards receive abundant Mediterranean sunshine while benefiting from cooling influences due to their elevation, allowing for balanced ripening of the grapes.
Mas Doix produces several wines that express different aspects of their terroir. Their flagship wine, "1902," is crafted from centenarian Cariñena vines planted in that year, complemented by old-vine Garnacha. "Salanques" represents a blend of Garnacha and Cariñena from 15-80 year old vines, while "Les Crestes" incorporates younger vineyard plantings with a higher percentage of Garnacha. The estate also produces "Doix," another premium cuvée from old vines.
Philosophy & Practice
Mas Doix adheres to traditional viticultural practices, with all vineyard work performed manually due to the steep, terraced terrain. Their approach emphasizes minimal intervention to allow the expression of their historic vineyards and the unique Priorat terroir. Yields are naturally restricted by the challenging growing conditions, typically producing less than one kilogram of fruit per vine, which contributes to the concentration and intensity characteristic of their wines.
In the winery, fermentation takes place in small stainless steel tanks to allow for precise control of individual vineyard parcels. The wines undergo malolactic fermentation and aging in French oak barrels, with the duration and percentage of new oak varying according to the wine and vintage. Their top cuvées typically spend 14-16 months in barrel, with careful attention to oxygen exposure during the aging process.
Harvest at Mas Doix is conducted entirely by hand, with rigorous selection in the vineyard and again at the sorting table. The estate practices sustainable farming methods suited to their specific terroir, focusing on maintaining the health of their old vines and ensuring the longevity of their younger plantings. This combination of respect for tradition and careful attention to detail in the cellar has established Mas Doix as a producer of wines that authentically represent the distinctive character of Priorat.