For years I have admired a gem located in the D.O.Q. Priorat. Buil & Gine all starts with the vision of Joan Gine. Her grandson, Xavi, has since taken over the winery, as this winery’s journey began back in 1996. Based in Gratallops, the winery has 200 acres planted including Viognier, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Garnacha, with a large amount of Carinena.
I have been enjoying these wines for more than a decade and have been so impressed with the value that they offer. Only recently they have brought a killer Rose to their range of wines. Roughly 15 years ago they purchased land in Toro as well as Rueda to expand their holdings. The wines offer some sensational value including their new brilliant Rose from the 2021 Vintage (OB, 91 )which is fresh and beautifully textured. I love the value of the 2013 ‘Pleret’ (OB, 93) is massively complex with herbal and earthy tones. Learn more about this outstanding house in Priorat at https://builgine.com/en/buil-gine-2/ and here are the brilliant new wines by Buil & Gine.
2019 Buil & Gine ‘Joan Gine’ White Wine- The 2019 ‘Joan Gine’ combines mostly Garnacha Blanca (50%) with smaller parts Macabeo, Viognier and a dash of Pedro Ximenez and Muscat. Stored in barrique for six months prior to bottling, this delivers amazing aromatic range from pink grapefruit blossom to white peach, honeydew melon and salted Marcona almond. The palate offers serious weight and underlying acidity, with a lengthy finish. Refined and elegant, this is stunning wine to consume now and over the next decade. Drink 2023-2032- 93
2021 Buil & Gine ‘Nosis’ Rueda- The 2022 ‘Nosis’ comes from 35 year old Verdejo vines that are set in sandy-loam soils. This beautiful wine opens with kiwi and Bartlett pear flavors alongside good richness and viscosity on the palate. Salty and nutty tones accent this beautiful wine that is best served slightly on the warmer side. Drink 2023-2027- 91
2013 Buil & Gine ‘Pleret’ Priorat- The 2013 ‘Pleret’ is a stunning Priorat now at the eleven year mark. The wine shows damp earthy notes alongside tart cranberry and red raspberry fruit flavors, garrigue with stony soils and a bright beam of salinity on the palate. Finishing long with plenty of verve and concentration, this is delicious, complex wine that is really peaking now. Drink 2023-2030- 93