At a glance

Producer

Clos Erasmus

Region

Empordà, Spain

Grape variety

Grenache (Garnacha), Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$90 - $130 per bottle

Tasting profile

Intense dark fruit (black cherry, blackberry), floral and spice notes, earthy minerality

Evolution: With time, fruit will soften, oak and spice will integrate, tertiary aromas like leather and forest floor will emerge

At peak: Complex layers of fruit, earth, and spice with silky tannins and lingering finish

Structure

Acidity

Medium-high, balanced

Tannins

Firm and structured

Alcohol

14.5%

Aging potential

20+ years due to concentration, structure, and vintage quality

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2030 to 2053

Optimal window

2028 to 2056

Current status

Young but approachable

Current condition

High tannic structure and deep fruit concentration, needs time to fully integrate

Clos Erasmus 2021 is a top Empordà vintage with dense fruit and firm tannins, allowing for extended aging over 20 years. The structure will integrate fully around 8-10 years post vintage, evolving into a complex mature profile.

Food pairing

Grilled red meats, game dishes, aged Manchego cheese, hearty stews, roasted vegetables with herbs

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — To soften tannins and allow aromatic elements to open up

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 8/10

Use of organic fertilizers, cover cropping, minimal tillage, solar energy for winery operations, water recycling systems

Clos Erasmus employs organic farming with commitment to biodiversity preservation and energy efficiency. Their operations integrate water conservation and renewable energy while packaging aims to minimize waste. Though exported globally, the estate’s emphasis on sustainability throughout the production chain results in an above-average sustainability profile.