Familia Nin Ortiz
Priorat has built a reputation for its deep, concentrated red wines with strong oak notes. Ester Nin and Carles Ortiz set out to find something different. At Porrera, this couple cultivates only their own vines; they use mules to plow the steep schist terraces, harvest by hand, and allow fermentation to begin naturally. They do not purchase grapes from outside sources, nor do they blend grapes from different vineyards, believing that each vineyard has its own unique soil ecosystem and microclimate, and that these characteristics should be fully reflected in the wine's flavor.
Production consists of up to nine different wines, all of which are produced in small quantities. These wines are divided between those from Priorat and those from the smaller vineyards in Penedès, where Ester Nin's family is from. The family crest bears three Catalan words beginning with H, honesty, humility, and integrity, which perfectly encapsulate how the estate is run.
The history
Carles Ortiz left Barcelona in 1998 to grow grapes. In 1999, he purchased Finca Les Planetes, which had no crops growing on it at the time, obtained organic certification, planted Garnatxa, and converted to biodynamic farming in 2006. For several years, he sold organic grapes rather than producing wine himself.
Ester Nin took a different path. Raised in Alt Penedès, she studied biology at Barcelona and then oenology at Tarragona. In 2001, she began working at Mas Martinet, located in Porrera, and later worked as a viticulture specialist for Daphne Glorian at Clos i Terrasses, where she led the effort to convert the vineyard to biodynamic farming.
In 2003, she purchased Garnatxa Peluda, a steep slope in the Rodeda area and her first old vineyard, converted it, and produced her first Nit de Nin. She bottled this wine in a Burgundy bottle, which in itself was a statement in the Priorat of the time.
The two met in 2007 at a biodynamic seminar held at Granja Laya, located in the Tarragona region. Since some of the grapes from Ortiz's were being supplied to Clos and Terrasses, they already had a professional connection. That same year, the two vineyard groups were merged into Celler Família Nin Ortiz.
In 2008, Planetes de Nin, the first wine produced from the young vines, was released. In 2015, grape sales ceased entirely. Then, in 2019, they built a wine cellar at Finca Les Planetes, completing construction just before the pandemic began.
The vineyards: Porrera, Torroja and a parcel at 650 metres
Família Nin Ortiz cultivates vineyards around Porrera and Torroja, located in the heart of DOQ Priorat, and also owns a small plot of farmland on the high ground of El Pla de Manlleu within Penedès. Although the total reported area varies slightly, it is approximately 12 to 14 hectares in the Priorat region, with an additional 1 to 2 hectares further north.
Finca Les Planetes is the estate's headquarters. According to Carles Ortiz, the farm covers 18 hectares, of which approximately 7 hectares are planted with grapevines, while the remainder is left in its natural state.
Mas d'en Caçador is a famed site. It includes an old Garnatxa Negra vineyard spanning about 1.5 hectares, as well as Garnatxa Peluda and Carinyena, located on the border between Porrera and Gratallops, are situated at an elevation of 650 meters, making them among the highest vineyards in this appellation. They face north, are supported by old stone terraces, and consist of pure schist soil. Coma den Romeu also belongs to Porrera and was acquired more recently.
The elevation of the entire vineyard ranges from approximately 300 to 650 meters, with slopes facing various directions from north to south. Since 2007, new plantings have been carried out using the traditional coster method, in which the vines are arranged along the slopes rather than on flat, stepped terraces. This practice is not intended to increase wine production but rather to prepare the winery for drought and climate warming.
The terroir
The symbol of Priorat is llicorella, a type of schist found in this region; however, it is not a single rock. Família Nin Ortiz farms on land where various types of schist are intermingled, including the blue and black schists of Mas d'en Caçador. The region has a Mediterranean climate, characterized by sea breezes blowing down into the valley and the significant elevation rising behind it.
Due to the steep slopes, most of the work is done by hand, and yields are naturally low because of the poor, rocky soil. What this couple values most is the vitality of the soil, specifically, the microorganisms that enable completely natural fermentation from the outset.
Harvesting typically begins in late August, which is relatively early by local standards; the date is determined based on pH levels rather than sugar content. Wines from each vineyard (finca) are kept separate in the cellar. Since each vineyard possesses distinct mineral characteristics, blending them would undermine the original intent.
Native grape varieties
All the varieties planted are native to the Catalonia region.
- Garnatxa Negra: The backbone of red wines
- Garnatxa Peluda: A variety with hairy leaves; it typically makes up a small proportion of blends
- Carinyena: Old vines and vines replanted using the massale method
- Carinyena Blanca: For white wine
In Planetes Clàssic red blends, Garnatxa accounts for about half, Carinyena accounts for a similar proportion, and Garnatxa Peluda accounts for about one-tenth. The alcohol content ranges from the low to mid-13% range, which is relatively low by this appellation's standards.
The winemaking: mules, amphorae and handwork
Weeding is done by hand, and the soil is tilled using the family's four mules. Certification covers both organic farming methods in accordance with CCPAE and biodynamic farming methods in accordance with Biodyvin; as members of Nicolas Joly's Renaissance des Appellations, they share their knowledge with neighboring farmers who wish to transition to these practices.
The fruit is sorted immediately upon arrival; some of it is destemmed and then refrigerated for 24 to 48 hours to minimize oxidation before fermentation begins. Fermentation takes place naturally in foudres, demi-muids, or clay amphorae using only natural yeasts.
The aging period lasts approximately 16-18 months and takes place in French oak barrels and terracotta amphorae. Amphorae are used specifically to eliminate the influence of wood. Sulfites are used, but their quantity is kept to a minimum. Harvesting the grapes at the optimal time is critical.
The wines
The Família Nin Ortiz wines are divided into two sub-lines of the Priorat range. Nit de Nin is produced from a very old single vineyard, while Planetes de Nin is produced from the relatively young vines of Finca Les Planetes. In addition to the Priorat wine, wines produced from the family's Penedès vines are also bottled, bringing the total to up to nine wines, all of which are produced in small quantities.
- Nit de Nin Mas d'en Cacador: Produced from a plot of old vines located on a north-facing high elevation with pure schist soil
- Nit de Nin La Coma d'en Romeu: A second single-site red wine from old vines located in Porrera
- Planetes de Nin Classic: A blend of Garnatxa and Carinyena
- Planetes de Nin Garnatxes: Bottled as Garnatxa-led
- Planetes de Nin Blanc: White wine
- Terra Vermella de Nin
Frequently asked questions
Where is Família Nin Ortiz based?
The cellar is at Finca Les Planetes, on the T-740 road outside Porrera, in DOQ Priorat. Vineyards lie around Porrera and Torroja, with a small holding in Penedès.
Who runs the estate?
Ester Nin and Carles Ortiz, a couple who merged their separate vineyard holdings in 2007. Both are trained in enology and both were early adopters of biodynamics in Priorat.
What is the difference between Nit de Nin and Planetes de Nin?
Nit de Nin wines come from the oldest vineyards, bottled by single site. Planetes de Nin comes from the younger vines at Finca Les Planetes.
Does Família Nin Ortiz buy in grapes?
No. They are certified as vine-growing producers, and since 2015 they have neither sold nor bought fruit. Every wine comes from their own vines.
