Gran Clos, formerly known as Cellers Fuentes, epitomizes the winemaking revolution that has seized hold of Spain's Priorat region in the past 15 years and propelled it into the spotlight. Founded in 1995, this 75-acre property was purchased in 2002 by John Hunt, an international entrepreneur and owner of Oriel Wines. Winemaking is under the supervision of the talented young winemaker Josep Angel Mestre. Gran Clos graces the wine lists of many of Spain’s most prestigious restaurants, not least among them the world-class establishment of El Bulli.

40 miles southwest of the fashionably bustling city of Barcelona, the Priorat region has been hailed as a modern-day superstar of Spanish winemaking. This arid, remote and rugged province, which derives its name from ancient priories in which ascetic Spanish monks over the centuries secluded themselves from the world outside, is best known today for its production of truly awe-inspiring reds. Grenache and Carignan are the bedrock of Priorat wines.

The rather austere landscape is noted for its dark slate soil known as "Ilicorella" meaning "licorice."