René Barbier

René Barbier Ferrer is a name forever intertwined with the wine region of Priorat. In the 1970s, he single-handedly brought the vineyards in the wild hills above Tarragona, near Spain's northern coast, to worldwide recognition. René was born in 1950 in Tarragona, a descendant of a French winemaking family. He studied at the most prestigious wine schools in Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Limoux, gaining experience at renowned wineries like Moueix, producers of the famous Pétrus. Returning to his homeland, Spain, he initially worked as a sales representative for Bodega Palacios Remondo but, at the same time, acquired his first vineyard in Priorat in 1979. Ten years later, he produced his first Clos Mogador. This was followed by other iconic wines such as Nelin and Manyetes, and in 2004, Espectacle under the DO Montsant. From the beginning, René focused on combining international expertise, advanced technology, and the greatest possible respect for nature. At a time when sustainability was not yet a concern, he was already promoting biodiversity in his vineyards by planting fruit and olive trees, as well as flowers and grasses between the vines, and using biodynamic methods for plant protection. Early in his winemaking career, a small circle of young, passionate winemakers and friends gathered around René, many of whom became some of the region's most renowned names, including Carles Pastrana (Clos de L’Obac), José Luis Pérez Verdú (Clos Martinet), Daphne Glorian (Clos Erasmus), and Álvaro Palacios (L’Ermita). A visionary who wrote more than just history, and whose legacy lives on through his sons René, Christian, and Anderson.