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Mas Martinet, Priorat in its purest form

12/03/2025 Winemaking , Wineries

As you venture into Priorat (Catalonia), it is impossible not to be captivated by a landscape that seems to have been plucked from a painting. A sea of vineyards winding through steep terraces, carved by centuries of human toil on its rocky soil under a golden sun. Weathered vines clinging to the slate earth, defying gravity, much like the inhabitants of this region: strong, tough, resilient... Yet, once they open their hearts, there is no turning back. You become ensnared. It is here, amidst such a spectacular landscape, that we find Mas Martinet, the family project of the Pérez family, which, forty years after its inception, remains the global benchmark of this unique wine region.

The Beginning of Everything in Priorat

The Priorat of today bears little resemblance to what Josep Lluís Pérez encountered when he moved as a biology teacher to a small village in 1981, bringing his family along. He, for work, his wife, Montse Ovejero, for love, and their children, out of obligation. Transitioning from a leading city school to a rural school in a remote location was a sacrifice the Pérez Ovejero family would never forget. Yet, as often happens in life, adversity gives rise to good things. Thus, the Pérez family began to create what is now an empire, an empire of beauty and natural harmony.


Until that moment, Priorat was known for producing bulk wines, lacking distinction, but the Pérez family and other courageous producers like René Barbier and Álvaro Palacios decided to focus on quality over quantity. They invested time, effort, and resources into precision viticulture practices, revived old vineyards, and championed native varieties such as Garnacha and Cariñena. Above all, they saw something unique in the geography of Priorat, in its licorella (slate) soils, an opportunity to create wines with a completely distinct minerality and character.


The journey was not easy; it was a true rollercoaster of sweat, tears, and pesetas. But they were so convinced of their mission that, ultimately, all their efforts bore fruit. And what fruit! In 1996, the influential Robert Parker, that wine guru who turns everything he rates into gold, awarded scores above 90 points to several wines from the region, including Mas Martinet. This recognition was a turning point for Priorat, sparking a growing global demand for its exclusive wines. From then on, Priorat was placed on the international map, and its wines became coveted not only for their quality but also for their unique character.

Sara Pérez: A Force to Be Reckoned With

Today, Mas Martinet remains the benchmark of a transformed region, now in the hands of Josep Lluís Pérez's daughter, Sara Pérez. A woman of strong character, she has demonstrated an admirable ability to step out of her comfort zone and face the world with courage from a young age. So, when she took over the winery, she did not settle for what her father had achieved. On the contrary, she ventured further, seeking the most authentic and genuine aspects of Priorat. Her vision, her passion for the land, and her relentless curiosity have made her one of the most respected voices in the wine world, a field historically dominated by men, but one she has redefined in her own way.


Sara is not only an oenologist but also a biologist and, above all, a philosopher, which has allowed her to develop a deeply reflective and unique approach to her work. She has carved out her own space, and what she says and does resonates loudly and clearly. Wines such as Martinet Bru, Clos Martinet, Els Escurçons, or Camí Pesseroles, which embrace ecology, sustainability, and minimal intervention, are a wonderful way to experience Priorat as it truly is: pure, authentic, and steeped in history. Each of them reflects Sara's profound respect for tradition, but also her relentless pursuit of something genuine and unique. Undoubtedly, they are an essential experience for anyone who loves fine wine.