Observation, inspiration, respect

Visitors to the Mas d’en Gil estate are often emotionally moved by what they see. A few metres after leaving the main road, the views open up to show off the vineyard which is the essence of Priorat. Vineyard terraces, hazelnut groves, rows of olive trees: the aesthetic element however is based on order. There is simplicity and yet it is filled with an invisible, but palpable orderliness. The track continues upwards towards the house with can be made out in the distance, protected to the rear by silhouettes of mountains. There is a sense of height, clarity, with the winds carrying aromas of forest floor, wild fennel, wood and stones.

This land has inspired the organisation of Mas d’en Gil. The different terroirs, aspects and microclimates have determined the crops planted, the function and buildings constructed. There is a will to delve deeper and for respect as well as a pact with nature: to care for and listen to the land. This is how it has been and how it always will be, today with the new energy which the biodynamic farming methods have brought to the land.

Bellmunt’s Identity

The sound of the “Garbinada” or sea breeze

Mas d’en Gil’s location as well as that of the whole Bellmunt municipal area benefits from a differentiating climatic factor, which is extremely important in the summertime: the easy access of the “Garbinada”, the refreshing south-easterly sea breeze which blows in from the Mediterranean on the hottest of afternoons in summer. It helps plants to absorb the moisture needed to continue the ripening process.

This “Garbinada” wind is tactile and can be heard. Its gentle murmuring is the music which caresses the vine leaves and the silver olive leaves.

The Dynamics of Life

Biodynamic farming practices, which sets the pace of farming life at Mas d’en Gil continues and has become more professional since our family bought and took over the running of the estate. Based on observing and understanding our surroundings, we are looking to find synergies between the physical elements of the place, the intangible components of the environment and visible and microscopic life.

We aim to favour interaction, making harmony possible whilst expressing transparency and personality. We work the vineyards according to the Moon Calendar and biodynamic precepts. We also rely on horsepower or should we say mulepower in the form of Clara who has become a symbol of our search for purity.

The rhythm of planting

Mas d’en Gil is based on a coherent and constant planting rhythm as well as methods and moments which throughout the year make sense to our estate, as work carried out respecting Nature. The diversity of plant life and crops offers balance and rich nuances and from a practical point of view enables us to manage our work in the fields.

The most widely planted crop is the grapevine, spread over 43 hectares (106 acres).The great majority of the vineyards are planted with red grape varieties: Garnatxa (Grenache) (65% of the total planted vineyard area) and Carinyena (Carignan) (20%). 10% of the vineyards are white indigenous rape varieties: Garnatxa Blanca (White Grenache) and Macabeu (Viura).

The other emblematic crop planted at Mas d’en Gil is the olive tree. We have 2,000 hundred year old Arbequina variety olive trees, planted on “coster” or steeply sloping plots as well as on terraces. The acclaimed olive oil we make is fruity and of high quality. This farming estate, bursting with Mediterranean character is completed with almond and hazel groves, planted in the cooler parts of the estate, together with areas planted with barley and other cereals which we use as compost or animal feed.

A Mosaic of crops and vegetation