Familia Nin-Ortiz - Priorat 'Planetes de Nin Blanc' 2021

After obtaining a degree in Biology at the University of Barcelona, then a subsequent degree in Enology – with an emphasis on biodynamic and organic viticulture – at the Public University of Tarragona, Ester Nin took a position at Mas Martinet in the village of Porrera in 2001. Here, she supervised the winery’s transition to biodynamics.

A few years earlier, Carles Ortiz, a native of Barcelona and a trained Enologist in his own right, had purchased nearly 5 hectares of vineyard land outside Porrera called Finca Les Planetes. Here he resurrected many of the old vines but replanted much of the site with a massale selection of Garnatxa and Carinyena. Both Carles and Ester were early proponents of biodynamics in the Priorat, both lived in Porrera, and both were young and available, so as these things are wont to happen… Familia Nin-Ortiz was born.

With two viticulturists devoted to biodynamics principles, the farming at Familia Nin-Ortiz employs only organic materials, including mineral sulfur in the vineyard, sprayed biodynamic infusions, and applications of their own compost. They are members of Nicolas Joly’s organization, “La Renaissance des Appellations,” and share their knowledge with neighbors interested in pursuing the transition to biodynamic farming. Weeding is done by hand, and the soils are plowed by mules to revitalize their soils. Harvesting, always by hand, commences early when pH levels are balanced by ripe fruit. When the fruit arrives at their cellar, newly completed in 2012, it is carefully sorted to remove any overripe fruit and partially destemmed, then chilled for 24-48 hours to prevent oxidation at the beginning of the winemaking process. Fermentations occur spontaneously and take place in foudre, demi-muids, or amphorae. Familia Nin-Ortiz’s goal is to produce elegant wines, so extraction is also natural, occurring without aggressive manipulation of the cap. Aging takes place primarily in neutral vessels so the purity of the site can be preserved.

When they first launched Familia Nin-Ortiz, there were just two wines – Nit de Nin from Mas d’En Caçador and Planetes from Finca Les Planetes. The range of wines has gradually expanded to include Planetes de Nin Blanc, a Carinyena Blanca from Finca Les Planetes, Selma, a white wine from Ester’s hometown of El Pla de Manlleu in the Alt-Penedès, a small-production Parellada Montonegra from a tiny vineyard also in the Penedès, an amphora-aged Garnatxa from Finca Les Planetes, and Nit de Nin Coma d’en Romeu from a newly purchased, south-facing site in Porrera with 70-year-old vines of Garnatxa planted on costers instead of terraces.

On the nose it is very subtle, with some notes reminiscent of white fruit. On the palate it is much more powerful and expressive, with volume, freshness and pronounced acidity. Dry and elegant finish. 

"The white 2021 Planetes de Nin Carinyena Blanca now has the mention "Vi Blanc de Varietats Antigues" on the label, as Cariñena Blanca is still not allowed by the Priorat appellation (but they are in the process). This has moderate alcohol and very high acidity, which makes it sharp and austere, especially when compared with the 2021 that had more flavors and aromas while this is more vertical and sharp. It has a chalky sensation and a stony mouthfeel. 4,466 bottles produced." - 94 Points, Robert Parker

Producer: Familia Nin-Ortiz

Country: Spain

Region: Catalunya

Varietal: Carignan Blanc

Appellation: Priorat

Vintage: 2021

Size: 750ml