The Cold Valley
High up and windy, the Sas valley is the first zone we enter when we leave the main road which runs between Falset and Bellmunt del Priorat. It is one of the colder Areas of Mas d’en Gil and is recognised by its slopes of hazel groves and the little plot of Garnatxa (Grenache) which welcomes all visitors. The views from the hillocks which encircle the Sas valley reach as far as the Ports de Tortosa-Beseit, the great mountain range on the other side of the Ebre river valley, more than 50 kilometres to the south-west.
Altitude: from 300 to 340 m above sea level
Main Aspect: East-facing, north-facing
Area: 25 hectares (37 acres)
Climate
The strong influence of the Serè north-westerly wind and relatively low temperatures are the main characteristics of this clearly defined microClimate. The thermal difference between the warmer parts of the estate can sometimes be more than 5ºC.
Terroirs
The steep mountain slopes of the Sas area are covered with grey-coloured Llicorella (slate).
Crops
The vineyards share their space with rows of hazels which make Sas a unique corner of the estate. The lower, flatter parts are planted with barley and olives.
Areas
In the lower part of the valley, very close to the riverbed of the Baranc dels Molins (Mill Ravine) stands a rectangular building and it is here that Mas d’en Gil’s vinegar production is located.Vinegars are hand crafted using the 1958 lees or solera which the former estate owners, the Barril family left behind.
Wines
The Macabeu (Viura) vineyards are used to make Coma Blanca, our old vines white wine. There are some Garnatxa Negre (Red Grenache) and Carinyena (Carignan) vineyards in the Sas Valley which are used in the Clos Fontà wine. The wild old vines Wines of Mas d’en Gil.
