Clot de les Soleres

Manuel Valenzuela — Catalonia, Spain

Clot de les Soleres is the personal project of winemaker Manuel Valenzuela, a dedicated visionary in the natural wine scene of Catalonia, Spain. After a long career in environmental science, he returned to his family's land in the Penedès region with a mission to produce honest, living wines that are a pure expression of their unique terroir. His philosophy is deeply rooted in a connection to the land and a minimalist approach in the cellar.

A Philosophy of Tradition and Rebirth

Manuel's winemaking is a testament to his belief in the power of tradition and the importance of working with nature. He is passionate about reviving ancient winemaking practices and using them to create wines that are clean, pure, and full of life.

  • Biodynamic Farming: The vineyards are farmed biodynamically, with a focus on creating a balanced and healthy ecosystem. He uses natural preparations and avoids all chemical herbicides and pesticides.

  • Low Intervention: In the cellar, his approach is as minimalist as possible. Fermentation is carried out with native yeasts, and he avoids fining and filtration.

  • Minimal Sulfur: He uses very low levels of sulfur dioxide (SO2​), or none at all, allowing the pure character of the grapes to shine through.

The Vineyards and Terroir

The vineyards of Clot de les Soleres are located in the heart of the Penedès region, a terroir known for its diverse soils and Mediterranean climate.

  • Location: The vineyards are in the commune of Sant Pere de Riudebitlles, in the Alt Penedès region of Catalonia.

  • Grape Varieties: Manuel works with a range of local grapes, including Xarel·lo, Macabeu, Parellada, and Monastrell, as well as other varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon.

  • Soils: The terroir is a mix of clay, limestone, and sandy soils, which contributes to the complexity and distinctiveness of his wines.

Winemaking and Process

Manuel's winemaking is a careful and precise process that honors the traditions of his region.

  • Harvest: All grapes are meticulously hand-harvested.

  • Vinification: He uses a combination of stainless steel tanks and old oak barrels for fermentation and aging. For his reds, he often uses a gentle, traditional approach to preserve the vibrant fruit and elegant structure of the grapes.

  • Aging: The wines are aged for several months before being bottled, allowing them to stabilize naturally.

Signature Wines to Discover

The wines of Clot de les Soleres are known for their vibrant fruit, aromatic complexity, and a distinct mineral character that reflects their terroir.

  • La Banya Xarel·lo: A pure Xarel·lo white wine that showcases the grape's unique character and the minerality of the terroir.

  • El Purgatori: A red blend, often featuring Monastrell and Cabernet Sauvignon, that is known for its elegant structure and bright fruit.

  • L'Ànima de les Soleres: A powerful and soulful wine that is a true expression of his terroir.

Address & Contact

Clot de les Soleres is a small, personal operation. Visits are by appointment only.

  • Address: Carrer de la Font 1, 08736 Sant Pere de Riudebitlles, Barcelona, Spain.

  • Connect: The best way to find his wines is through specialized natural wine importers and shops.