An oasis of vineyards on the Costa Brava

Located in Empordà, Catalonia, Spain, Clos d’Agon winery nurtures 20 hectares of vineyards planted with multiple varieties, from Viognier to Garnacha.

In a world where variety and quality rule, somehow, one of the most diverse countries, Spain, continues to fly under the radar. Spain is the world’s third-largest wine producer, with more than 2.4 million acres of vineyards producing wines from entry-level expressions to hidden gems.  Yet, beyond the flagship Tempranillo and globally popular Garnacha, many consumers know very little of Spain's varietal diversity. While some wineries specialize in specific varietals, many embrace multiple varieties, creating their own microcosms within their estates. These diverse plantings allow them to produce a wide range of wines shaped by unique terroirs and climates. One such estate is Clos d’Agon, nestled in the protected and mountainous Las Gavarres natural park in the Empordà region of Catalonia, northeast Spain. The Clos d’Agon winery and the estate’s main farmhouse, Mas Gil, form an amphitheatre facing the Costa Brava. This privileged environment plays a crucial role in the character of the winery’s wines. Clos d’Agon winery and its main farmhouse, Mas Gil, form an amphitheater facing the Costa Brava. This privileged environment plays a crucial role in shaping the character of the estate’s wines. Records indicate that vineyards existed on the estate as early as the 15th century. The current farmhouse, registered in 1792, was originally surrounded by eight hectares of vineyards planted with hybrid varieties, narrow planting frames, and vase conduits. However, it wasn’t until the 1980s that the winery entered its modern era following the acquisition of the estate by Franco-Belgian couple Daniela Bagon and Philippe Dambois. A commitment to varietal diversity Clos d’Agon’s vineyards were initially planted under the guidance of renowned viticulture professors André Crespy and Pierre Galet from the University of Montpellier. They introduced Viognier, Marsanne, and Roussanne for whites, as well as Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot for reds. More recently, local varieties such as Garnacha Tinta, Blanca, and Gris have been incorporated. Additionally, two hectares of 60- to 70-year-old vines are being cultivated, containing a mix of native and ancestral grape varieties on 20 hectares of vineyards. The estate treats its vineyards as a lush garden, embracing traditional methods that nurture the land while minimizing synthetic chemical use. During the dormant season, Clos d’Agon employs a meticulous ‘double Guyot’ pruning technique. This method utilises two fruiting canes extending in opposite directions to form a ‘T’ shape, complemented by one or two renewal spurs that pave the way for next year’s growth. As the vines awaken during the vegetative phase, the dedicated team carefully removes excess shoots, manages clusters, and strategically thins out foliage to ensure the healthiest grapes possible. During harvest, each bunch is handpicked at peak ripeness and placed in stackable 15kg boxes. Every step reflects the estate’s commitment to quality and sustainability, with eco-friendly practices certified in integrated production. Each parcel is treated independently and vinified separately in small containers to preserve its unique identity. Diverse offerings Clos d’Agon’s fundamental principle is to produce high-quality wines that reflect their terroir and the climatic conditions of each vintage. The winery’s entry-level range, Amic, includes a red blend of Garnacha, Syrah, and Cabernet Franc, a white wine made with Garnacha Blanca y Gris, and 100% Garnacha rosé. For those looking for the next step up, the classic Valmaña range includes a white wine made entirely from Viognier and a red blend of Merlot, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon. The winery also produces limited amounts of Clos d’Agon Mas Palet 100% Syrah, Selección Especial - a blend of Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Sauvignon—and 100% Viognier, fermented in barrels and aged on lees for about six months. These wines are produced in small quantities, between 1,000 and 2,000 bottles per year, and are recommended to be enjoyed several years after bottling. With optimal storage conditions, they can benefit from further bottle ageing. As part of the estate’s flagship collection, Clos d’Agon Rosé Alba del Tinar is made from estate-grown Garnacha Gris and Cabernet Franc. Aged for six months on lees in French oak barrels and stainless-steel tanks with continuous bâtonnage, this rosé showcases complexity and elegance. Meanwhile, the flagship red, Clos d’Agon Tinto, is a blend of Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Sauvignon, aged for about 18 months in French oak barrels. The flagship white, a Rhône variety blend, undergoes fermentation and aging partly in barrels and partly in stainless steel before being blended. Clos d’Agon’s wines are available in multiple markets worldwide. For those looking to explore their offerings, the winery recommends direct contact. Additionally, professionals can discover Clos d’Agon wines at ProWein from 16-18 March at Wine People stand E16 in Hall 11. Patricia Stefanowicz tasted seven Mas Gil wines at The Drinks Business Spring Tasting 2025. She has selected two of her favourites with tastings notes below.

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Clos d'Agon Blanco 

• Producer: Clos d'Agon
• Region: Catalunya
• Country: Spain
• Vintage: 2018
• Grape varieties: 68% Roussanne, 18% Marsanne, 14% Viognier
• ABV: 13.5%
• Approx. retail price: £40
• Medal: Silver

Mas Gil, the estate’s current name, was first mentioned as Mas Sabater in 1334, with vineyards present since at least the 15th century. The 'new' farmhouse may be from 1972, but but Clos d’Agon’s modern winery, designed by architect Chus Manzanares, resembles a three-dimensional Mondrian painting. Bold yellow and vibrant red panels are interspersed with clear glass, all framed by black mullions. Currently, the estate is owned by partners Alfons Niedhart and Juerg Maurer. This white wine, too, is modern. Made from a blend of white Rhône varieties, the wine has a medium 'old-gold' colour and is quite developed on the nose with yellow fruit and coconut-cream oak. Rich in style, the palate flavours are framed by brisk acidity and warm alcohol. Notes of white pepper, mace and allspice suggest that the wine will be a delicious accompaniment to cod baked with leeks and fresh ginger.

Clos d'Agon Syrah Mas Palet

• Producer: Clos d'Agon
• Region: Empordà
• Country: Spain
• Vintage: 2019
• Grape varieties: 100% Syrah
• ABV: 14.5%
• Approx. retail price: £75
• Medal: Silver

The Syrah grapes for this top-end Clos d'Agon Mas Palet wine are grown in two different parcels, one with slate and red clay soils. Altitudes vary from 40m to 200m in the Mediterranean climate of Empordà. The wine is deep ruby-cherry in hue and shows red and black summer pudding fruits with overtones of cream, cedarwood and crushed red roses. The palate is broad, rich and warm and the flavours are supported by lively acidity and linen-textured tannins. Nicely integrated and beginning to drink well, the wine will make a good pairing for roast venison or mallard duck.