The secluded Cortiella Valley is home to a tradition dating back centuries: Mas del Botó

Honey bees make their home among these vineyards, a testament to pesticide-free agriculture being practiced on these steep slopes.  A deep understanding of the vines based on a long family tradition supports PhD-level knowledge in application in the winery.  Pep Llaurado lives and breathes wine.  You can see it in his face and on his hands.

Located high in the Cortiella Valley, who’s river by the same name drains into the Priorat basin, Mas del Boto enjoys a privileged location.  High altitude results in late-ripening fruit, allowing for remarkable acidity and freshness in wines that are able to achieve robust ripeness in the skin.  Mediterranean breezes provide a reprieve from hot summer days, and steep slopes allow for good drainage and prevents freezing temperatures from “puddling” in his vineyards.

When he’s not working his vines, Pep can be found in the experimental vineyard of the local university, where he mentors students and also lectures in biochemistry.