Mas Doix: Crafting Iconic Wines from Priorat’s Unique Terroir

Mas Doix: Crafting Iconic Wines from Priorat’s Unique Terroir.

In the world of wine, few regions are as distinct and revered as Priorat, and within it, Mas Doix stands out as a winery deeply committed to expressing the unique qualities of this rugged landscape. 

Earlier this year we sat down with Valentí Llagostera, one of the owners of Mas Doix, as we explored the winery’s history, philosophy, and its future in the ever-evolving world of wine. Through this discussion, one thing became clear: Mas Doix is not only a producer of exceptional wines but also a keeper of Priorat’s traditions, intertwined with an ongoing drive for innovation.

The Origins of Mas Doix: A Family’s Bond with Poboleda

The history of Mas Doix is deeply rooted in family and place. Valentí ’s journey with the winery began through a strong connection with the village of Poboleda, located in the heart of Priorat. His family’s relationship with the land dates back to the beginning of the 20th Century, when his father’s aunt, Teresina Casas Gorga, married Joan Doix Extrems, the man whose name now graces the winery. For Valentí ’s father, Poboleda became a sanctuary during his childhood, and it remained a beloved place of refuge, even as the family’s work took them to Barcelona.

This enduring connection to Poboleda is what ultimately inspired Valentí and his brother Ramon to return to the village’s vineyards in the mid-1990s. At that time, like many other families, their grapes were being sent to the local cooperative, but the brothers saw an opportunity to do more. In 1998, they decided together with the Doix family, to take a leap and began vinifying their own grapes of vineyards replanted in 1.902 after phylloxera,  leading to the release of the first Mas Doix wine, the 1999 vintage of Doix. This bold move marked the beginning of a new chapter, one that would see Mas Doix rise to become a key player in the rebirth of Priorat wines.

Valentí and Ramon Llagostera.

The Soul of Priorat: Cariñena and Garnacha

Mas Doix’s wines are defined by the land they come from, and the winery’s commitment to indigenous grape varieties is a testament to their respect for the region’s heritage. “We have been a Cariñena-oriented winery from the very beginning,” Valentí explained, underscoring a philosophy that sets Mas Doix apart from many other Priorat producers who have embraced international varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

For Valentí, Cariñena holds a special place, offering a unique ability to express the terroir of Priorat. “Cariñena is about structure, persistence, and length,” he said, explaining how the variety thrives in the extreme conditions of Priorat’s slate soils, known locally as “llicorella”. This soil, combined with the region’s dramatic temperature swings (—hot Mediterranean days and cool continental nights, up to 20 degrees in difference—creates an ideal environment for Cariñena and Garnacha to produce wines that are powerful yet balanced, with vibrant acidity and a distinctive mineral quality.

Mas Doix’s Vineyards, with their characteristic llicorella soils.

“The contrast between the Mediterranean heat and the cool nights is key,” Valentí continued. “It allows us to produce wines with ripe fruit flavors but also with freshness and elegance.” This balance is a hallmark of Mas Doix’s wines, from their approachable Las Crestes to their flagship Doix, which comes from vines over 100 years old.

The Red Selection

For this article we reviewed a selection of Mas Doix’ wines. Below the reviews of the red wines we selected and our ratings.

2022 Les Crestes

Garnacha (80%), Carignan (10%), Syrah (10%).


Red blend that finds its origin in 10-25-year-old bush vines. Hand harvested and selected grapes, (malolactic) fermentation in stainless steel tanks. The wines ages for 4-6 months in a combination of concrete tank (25%), large oak vats (25%) and used French oak barrels (50%).

The 2022 Les Crestes by Mas Doix is a compelling and vibrant entry-level offering that captures the essence of Priorat with youthful exuberance. Crafted predominantly from the estate’s younger vines, this wine is both accessible and elegantly structured. It opens with a lively bouquet of ripe red fruits, enriched by a complex array of blackberries, earthy notes, and a distinctive whiff of smoked bacon and violets, reminiscent of the finesse found in Rhône wines.

The palate of Les Crestes is inviting and velvety, straddling the line between medium and full-bodied. Its texture is smoothed by fine, well-rounded tannins that promise excellent drinkability. Subtle spice notes are layered with the freshness of red cherry and the intriguing depth of dried black tea leaves, hinting at a maturity that belies its age. This is further complemented by hints of herbal undertones and a touch of toasted anise seed, adding to its complexity.

On the finish, the wine offers a crisp and zesty mouthfeel, with a substantial breadth and length that carry its vibrant acidity and tasty fruit-forward character well into a lingering, satisfying finish. The visual appeal is striking too, with a cherry hue and a violet rim that beckon the eye.

Perfect for those new to Priorat, Les Crestes serves as an exquisite introduction to the region’s typical profiles, offering a delightful and insightful tasting experience that is both sophisticated and immensely enjoyable.

We award this wine with a 91-point DWA score.

2021 Salanques

Garnacha (70%), Carignan (20%), Syrah (10%).

Red blend that finds its origin in 25-30-year-old bush vines. Hand harvested and selected grapes, (malolactic) fermentation in a combination of stainless-steel tanks and French oak vats. The wines ages for 12-14 months in a combination of new, second and third year French oak barrels.

The 2021 Salanques is a sophisticated blend, deriving its character from mature vines of the region. This wine beautifully marries the robust, structured dark fruit essence of Carignan with the lighter, aromatic subtleties of Garnacha. The result is a complex and expressive profile, dense with layers of black cherry and licorice, further enriched by earthy undertones and a minerally edge. Visually, Salanques presents an intensely deep cherry color, drawing you into its complex and expressive bouquet. It offers a symphony of spicy notes coupled with the freshness of red and ripe fruits, revealing an elegant and full-bodied experience on the palate. The addition of light red fruits, such as dried raspberry and strawberry, introduces a delicate balance, while the powdery texture of bitter chocolate, chamomile, and a hint of vanilla add intriguing layers of flavor.

The wine is rich and chewy, with a wealth of fruit underscored by meaty tannins that are beautifully integrating, suggesting a promising future. Its elegant structure is supported by good acidity, contributing to a long, persistent finish that continues to evolve, ensuring that each sip offers a nuanced exploration of its depth and potential. Salanques stands out as an exemplar of complexity and depth, perfect for those seeking a profound and lingering wine experience.

We award this wine with a 94-point DWA score.

2021 Doix 

Carignan (55%), Garnacha (45%).

The 2021 Doix by Mas Doix, the winery’s esteemed flagship, epitomizes the pinnacle of winemaking craftsmanship from the heart of Poboleda. Originating from venerable bush vines aged between 70 and 100 years, this red blend is meticulously crafted from hand-harvested and selected grapes. Following malolactic fermentation in stainless steel tanks, the wine matures gracefully for 14 months in a mix of new and second-year French oak barrels, acquiring a refined complexity.

Doix stands as a testament to the winery’s heritage, showcasing an intensely focused profile of dark fruits that meld seamlessly with a mineral backbone and intricate spice nuances. The wine’s powerful yet elegant structure reveals a profound depth, indicative of its noble origins and meticulous production. This complex creation is not only complete in its current form but also holds immense potential for evolution over the next two to three decades.

The ‘Doix Costers de Vinyes Velles’ consistently exemplifies the quintessential Priorat style—robust yet harmoniously balanced. The wine’s elegance is echoed in its tannin structure and overall mouthfeel, presenting an impeccable equilibrium. The palate is enlivened by vivacious notes of red cherry and herbal nuances, intertwined with smoky minerals and subtle nutty, spicy oak. These elements converge on an elegant and pure palate, highlighted by well-integrated oak, leading to a long, persistent finish. This wine is a true celebration of tradition and terroir.

Note: 2021 was marked as an excellent vintage, which shows in the last two wines, that have absolute cellar potential but already give instant gratification in their young years.

We award this wine with a 96-point DWA score.

A Commitment to Old Vines and Meticulous Selection

One of the key elements that define Mas Doix’s wines is the age of their vines. Valentí shared that some of the vineyards they work with are more than a century old, a legacy from the past that continues to shape their approach to winemaking. “Old vines are like wise vines,” Valentí remarked. “They have learned how to manage difficult conditions over time, which helps ensure consistency in quality, even in challenging vintages.”

But the quality of Mas Doix’s wines isn’t solely a result of these old vines. The winery places an emphasis on meticulous selection, both in the vineyard and the winery. Each berry is carefully inspected to ensure that only the best fruit makes it into the wine. “It’s all about the grape,” Valentí emphasized. “The main work is done in the vineyard, and our job is to respect that.”

This philosophy is also reflected in their approach to blending. The different wines in the Mas Doix portfolio—Les Crestes, Salanques, and Doix—are all blends of Cariñena and Garnacha, but with varying proportions and vine ages. Les Crestes, the most youthful and fruit-forward of their reds, comes from 20-year-old vines and features a higher percentage of Garnacha (80%) for a more vibrant, easy-drinking profile. Salanques, with its 40-year-old vines, brings more Cariñena into the mix, offering greater structure and complexity, while Doix, made from vines averaging 100 years of age, is the most profound expression of the two varieties, showcasing power, depth, and longevity.

Mas Doix puts maximum attention to the vineyards.

Learning and Evolving: The Path to Refinement

While Mas Doix’s wines are steeped in tradition, the winery is not afraid to innovate and evolve. Over the years, Valentí and his team have fine-tuned their winemaking practices, particularly when it comes to the use of oak. “When we started, like many others, we used a lot of new oak—16 months, full extraction,” Valentí explained. “But we’ve learned that less is more. Now, we’re much more restrained with our use of oak, aiming to highlight the purity of the fruit and the freshness of the wine.”

This evolution is also seen in the cellar, where Mas Doix now employs a variety of ageing vessels, including cement eggs and large foudres, to preserve the wine’s natural character and minimize the influence of oak. This shift towards more subtlety and balance has resulted in wines that are expressive and complex, without being dominated by heavy wood notes.

Valentí ’s philosophy is clear: “The wood should always be behind the wine, not in front of it. The wine should express the vineyard and the terroir, not the barrel.”

The Mas Doix wines we tasted and rated.

The Introduction of White Wines: Murmuri and Salix

In 2018, Mas Doix ventured into new territory with the release of their first white wines, Murmuri and Salix. While Priorat has historically been known for its powerful reds, there is growing interest in white wines from the region, and Mas Doix saw an opportunity to showcase the potential of Garnacha Blanca in their portfolio.

Murmuri, a blend of 90% Garnacha Blanca and 10% Macabeo, is a vibrant, refreshing wine crafted to preserve its purity through stainless steel aging. Its name, inspired by the soft “murmur” of the Siurana river as it winds through Poboleda, echoes the wine’s lively and clean nature. With bright fruit flavors and a zesty, mineral finish, it’s a true reflection of the river’s freshness. “It’s like a breath of fresh air,” Valentí noted, “perfect for those moments when you crave something light and revitalizing.”

Salix, on the other hand, is a more complex and textured wine, made from older vines and aged in French oak. With its rich, honeyed notes and layers of complexity, Salix is a gastronomic wine, designed to age and develop over time.

Both wines have been warmly received, with Murmuri quickly becoming a favorite among fans of Mas Doix. Valentí shared that demand for the white wines has grown steadily, and they plan to continue expanding their production to meet this interest.

The White Selection

For this article we reviewed a selection of Mas Doix’ wines. Below the reviews of the white wines we selected, and our ratings

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2022 Murmuri

Garnacha Blanca (90%), Macabeu (10%).

White blend which is mainly dominated by Garnacha Blanca. Hand harvested, fermentation (no malo) in stainless steel tanks. The wines ages for 3 months in stainless-steel, during which it has lees contact.

The 2022 Murmuri marks a delightful departure from the winery’s traditional reds, introducing its inaugural white wine that expands the horizons of Priorat’s vinous expressions. Crafted predominantly from Garnacha Blanca, Murmuri offers a refreshing exploration of this varietal’s capacity for brightness and depth. The wine showcases a vibrant ensemble of floral and citrus aromatics, paired with a crisp acidity that renders it exceptionally invigorating—ideal for those keen to discover the lighter nuances of Priorat.

Murmuri is characterized by its varietal clarity, presenting pristine notes of waxy apples and moderate alcohol levels that complement its fresh profile. The bouquet is a complex interplay of ripe fruits, dried herbs, and wilted flowers, underscored by distinct citrus tones. On the palate, Murmuri is beautifully balanced, weaving together flavors of candied lemon, herbal touches, and a mineral crispness with subtle undertones of mulberry, pear, and apple. These elements contribute to a tasteful persistence and a dry, lingering finish.

The wine’s appearance is as appealing as its taste, with a straw hue that hints at its freshness. Additional layers of bright lemon citric notes intertwine with a sweet vanilla essence, reminiscent of fresh orchard and orange blossoms. Zesty and crisp throughout, Murmuri maintains a lean structure in the mid-palate, culminating in a lively yet slightly abbreviated finish that leaves a refreshing impression. 

This wine is a testament to the versatility and dynamic potential of white wines in a region celebrated for its reds.

We award this wine with a 90-point DWA score.

2022 Salix

Garnacha Blanca (65%), Macabeu (20%), Pedro Ximénez (15%).

White blend that finds its origin in 35-60-year-old bush vines. Hand harvested and selected grapes, fermentation (no malo) in second and third year French oak barrels. The wines ages for 3 months in second- and third-year French oak, during which it has lees contact and receives weekly bâtonnage.

The 2022 Salix is a sophisticated white wine crafted primarily from old vine Garnacha Blanca, artfully blended with Macabeu and Pedro Ximénez to enhance its complexity and body. This wine is a tapestry of nuanced flavors and textures, presenting a rich layering of stone fruit and white flowers, complemented by a subtle minerality that lends an air of refined elegance.

Salix is further enriched by its careful aging in oak, which infuses the wine with understated hints of vanilla and toast. These elements add a dimension of richness, yet maintain the wine’s inherent vibrancy and freshness. The oak integration is masterfully executed, allowing the wine to retain its energy and light, and enhancing the wine’s depth without overshadowing its natural characteristics.

The wine’s visual appeal is evident in its bright straw color, signaling its freshness and inviting exploration. The nose is expressive, characterized by fine lees, a clear mineral presence, and an assortment of white fruits, all spiced and extended into a long, elegant finish. The palate reveals an intriguing mix of fluffy lemon peel, green apple, and a hint of lime zest, which are beautifully layered over dried herbal notes of thyme and subtle yellow blossoms.

On the palate, Salix is beautifully balanced, with a linear structure and pleasing acidity that elevate the wine’s profile, ensuring a clean, structured progression that carries through to a satisfying finish. This wine encapsulates the vibrant spirit of the Mediterranean and the distinct essence of Priorat, all while maintaining a poised and sophisticated presence.

This is a white wine with room for development and ageing potential, we expect it to further show itself in the next 3-5 years. When opening the bottle give the wine some air, room and time to fully display its character.

We award this wine with a 92-point DWA score.

The Future of Mas Doix: Continuing the Journey

Looking to the future, Mas Doix remains committed to its roots while exploring new ways to express the terroir of Priorat. One of their latest projects is the release of a village wine, Poboleda, made entirely from 40-year-old Garnacha vines and aged in concrete eggs to preserve the purity of the fruit. This wine is a tribute to the village that has played such a pivotal role in the winery’s history, and it represents a return to the traditional methods of winemaking that have defined Priorat for generations.

At the same time, Mas Doix continues to push boundaries with their single-variety wines, including the ‘1902 Tossal d’en Bou’ (100% Cariñena) and ‘1903 Coma de Cases’ (100% Garnacha), which offer wine lovers a chance to experience the pure expression of these two iconic Priorat grapes.

For Valentí, the journey is ongoing. “We are always learning,” he said. “Every year, every vintage, we discover something new about our vineyards and our wines. But at the heart of it all is our commitment to the land, the vines, and the people who have kept this tradition alive for generations.”

Mas Doix is all about tradition and hand work in the vineyards.

Conclusion

Mas Doix is more than just a winery—it’s a story of family, tradition, and the pursuit of excellence. From their early days in Poboleda to their current status as one of Priorat’s leading producers, Valentí Llagostera and his team have stayed true to their vision of making wines that reflect the unique terroir of Priorat. Whether through their bold reds or their fresh and vibrant whites, Mas Doix continues to offer wine lovers around the world a taste of a place where history, tradition, and innovation come together in every bottle.

This article is written by Niels Aarts, reviews together with our own Martin Bronkhorst. We would like to thank Valentí Llagostera and the Mas Doix team, especially Jenny van Lieshout. Mas Doix is imported in the Netherlands by Les Généreux, and available through their retail partners.