Clos Lentiscus

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Clos Lentiscus 〰️

About Clos Lentiscus

Background: Founded in the 14th century, Clos Lentiscus is a family-run winery in the Garraf Natural Park, Sant Pere de Ribes, near Sitges, Catalonia. Manel Aviñó, known as the “Bubble Man,” and his daughter Núria Aviñó produce natural, biodynamic sparkling and still wines. After their father’s death in 2001, Manel and his brother Joan revived the Can Ramon estate, transitioning from selling grapes to crafting wines since 2002.
Wines: Specializing in pét-nats and traditional-method sparklings (e.g., Perill Noir, Cric Cric, Blanc de Noirs Sumoll, Brut Nature Blanc), they also produce still reds, whites, and rosés (e.g., Sumoll Litrona, Croac Croac Rosé). Grapes include Xarel·lo, Sumoll, Malvasia de Sitges, Parellada, Carignan, and Ull de Llebre (Tempranillo). Wines are unfiltered, unfined, zero-sulfur, and use native yeasts, with second fermentations sparked by ambient yeast and estate honey.
Production: ~20–22 hectares of vines on calcareous, fossil-rich soils at 225m altitude. Biodynamic practices include lunar-cycle farming, sheep for weed control, and beehives for pollination. Output is small, with some wines (e.g., Perill Noir) limited to ~500 cases.
Style: Elegant, mineral-driven, with a rustic charm, often compared to grower Champagne for their purity and complexity.

Where to Find Clos Lentiscus Wines

**Updated Information as of July 14, 2025:** Clos Lentiscus (Manel Aviñó) is a highly respected biodynamic producer of natural wines, especially sparkling wines, from the Penedès. His wines are produced in limited quantities and are very popular among natural wine enthusiasts.

Online Retailers (Global & EU Focus)

Wine-Searcher.com **Your primary resource for global availability.** Search for "Clos Lentiscus" to find merchants listing their wines and compare prices.

Decántalo (Online, Spain & International Shipping) A large Spanish online wine shop that frequently carries a wide range of Clos Lentiscus's still and sparkling wines.

MYSA Natural Wine (Online, US & International Shipping) A prominent online retailer specializing in natural wines. They consistently stock a good selection of Clos Lentiscus wines.

Callmewine (Online, Italy & Europe Shipping) An Italian online wine retailer that offers a selection of Clos Lentiscus products.

International Retailers & Distributors (Examples)

**Spain (Direct & Retailers):**
- **Winery Direct Sales (by Appointment):** Clos Lentiscus is a working biodynamic farm. While direct online sales for international shipping might not be standard, contacting them for cellar door visits and purchases in Sant Pere de Ribes (Penedès) is often possible.
- **Specialized Enotecas & Natural Wine Bars:** Look for independent "enotecas" (wine shops) and natural wine bars in Barcelona and throughout Catalonia (especially in the Penedès region) that specialize in artisanal and biodynamic wines.
**United States:**
- **Jose Pastor Selections (US Importer):** A highly respected importer focusing on artisanal Spanish wines, including Clos Lentiscus. Inquire with local natural wine shops or fine wine retailers working with Jose Pastor.
- **MYSA Natural Wine (Online, US):** As mentioned, they are a strong online source for Clos Lentiscus, shipping to various US states.
- **Primal Wine (Online, US):** Another excellent online retailer for natural wines that often carries Clos Lentiscus.
- **Franklin Wines & Spirits (Brooklyn, NY):** This shop has listed Clos Lentiscus wines, indicating local availability.
- *Contact independent wine shops in major US cities (e.g., NYC, LA, SF, Chicago) that specialize in natural wines or unique Spanish producers. They are the most likely to carry or be able to source these wines via their importers.*
**United Kingdom:**
- **P.franco (UK Importer/Retailer):** This London-based natural wine importer and bar often features Clos Lentiscus.
- **Les Caves de Pyrène (UK Importer):** A major importer of natural wines into the UK. It's worth checking their portfolio or inquiring with retailers they supply.
- **Decántalo (UK Site):** Their UK-specific site offers Clos Lentiscus wines for delivery within the UK.
- *Look for independent wine merchants in London and other major UK cities who focus on natural and biodynamic Spanish wines.*
**France:**
- **VinsChezNous (Online, France):** An online retailer specializing in natural wines from Southern Catalonia, including Clos Lentiscus.
- **Vinaralia (Online, France):** Another online shop that focuses on Catalan wines and has carried Clos Lentiscus.
- *Search for "cavistes" (wine shops) in major French cities (e.g., Paris) and regions bordering Spain, particularly those with a focus on natural wines.*
**Canada:**
- **Le Sommelier Wine Agency (Canada Importer):** They explicitly list Clos Lentiscus as one of their producers, indicating distribution in Canada. They also have an online store section for private clients in Ontario.
- *Check with private wine shops (where permitted) or specialized agencies in your province that focus on natural or artisanal Spanish wines.*
**Asia (e.g., Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore):**
- **RAW WINE Asia:** Clos Lentiscus has a strong presence at RAW WINE events in Asia, indicating established distribution channels. Look for importers specializing in natural Spanish wines in these markets.

Winery Information & General Profile

**Winemaker:** Manel Aviñó.

**Location:** Sant Pere de Ribes, Penedès, Catalonia, Spain. Located within the Garraf Natural Park, close to the Mediterranean coast.

**Philosophy: Biodynamic & Minimal Intervention:** Farming is 100% biodynamic (Demeter certified process, though not always certified on labels). Vineyards (20 hectares) are tended by horses and sheep. All vineyard work follows lunar cycles. In the cellar: Hand-harvested grapes, spontaneous fermentation with native yeasts. No added sulfites (or extremely minimal), unfined, and unfiltered. Aging in a variety of vessels including stainless steel, old oak barrels, amphorae, and glass demijohns.

**Key Grape Varieties:** Xarel·lo, Parellada, Macabeu, Malvasia de Sitges (white indigenous varieties); Sumoll, Ull de Llebre (Tempranillo), Cartoixà Vermell (red/gris indigenous varieties).

**Signature Wines (Examples):**

**Blanc de Blancs Brut Nature:** Traditional method sparkling Xarel·lo.
**Rosé Brut Nature:** Traditional method sparkling, often with Sumoll, Ull de Llebre, or Cartoixà Vermell.
**Gentlemant Pét-Nat Series:** Ancestral method sparkling wines from single varietals like Malvasia de Sitges, Xarel·lo, or Sumoll.
**"Perill Blanc" (White Peril):** Still white Xarel·lo, sometimes amphora-aged.
**"Perill Noir" (Black Peril):** Still red Sumoll.
**"Núria Malvasia de Sitges":** Still white from the aromatic Malvasia de Sitges, often aged under flor (oxidative).
**"Love Potion":** Often an orange wine from Malvasia or other blends.
**"Cric Cric" & "Croac Croac":** Fun, accessible 1-liter format wines (white, rosé).
**"Litrona" Sumoll:** A lively 1-liter red wine.

Wines are typically classified under Penedès DO or Vino de España (for natural wines not adhering to strict DO rules).

**Production:** Artisanal, small-to-medium scale.

**Style:** Vibrant, energetic, and terroir-driven wines with immense personality. Known for their purity, minerality, and often a savory, saline edge, especially in their sparkling wines.

**Contact:** Tel: +34 667 517 659. Address: Camí del Montgrós, S/N, 08810 Sant Pere de Ribes, Barcelona, Spain.