It's in our blood...

A New Generation of Winemakers

Creu Celta and Terra Sagrada come from Salanques, one of the coolest ‘climats’ in Priorat. The area is a virtual viticultural ‘paradise’ and the McAlindon family established a vineyard in this region in 2003.

Creu Celta is an expression of the traditional grapes of the region. It is a mixture of very old vines (60 – 80 years) plus maturing vines planted nearly 20 years ago. With each passing year Creu Celta is delivering greater complexity and voluptuousness.

Terra Sagrada is an expression of the noble Syrah grape variety. Traditionally found in the Rhône, this variety excels in the demanding slate based soils of Priorat.

Today Priorat is producing some of the world’s greatest wines and both Creu Celta and Terra Sagrada aspire to join these ranks.

 

When we first conceived of Creu Celta, it was important that we used imagery that had a strong link with our homeland.

The symbol for Creu Celta (meaning ‘Celtic Cross’ in Catalan) is inspired by the exceptional 15th Century High Cross found on Devenish Island in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland.

The Vineyard

The vineyard is planted in the traditional Llicorella soil, a type of slate. The vines have to struggle to survive in this dry mountainous climate, but those that do yield exceptionally concentrated fruit, which give complex and long lived wines.

The vineyard contains 60-80 year old Garnatxa (Grenache) vines and in 2003/04 terracing was created which allowed more planting to occur. More Garnatxa, some Samsó (Carignan) and a little Syrah were selected.

  • Garnatxa is the key grape of the region, and is the classic Mediterranean red grape. It offers red fruits, spice and in the right terroir produces ‘world class’ wines.
  • Samsó thrives in Priorat. It is a great blending partner to Garnatxa due to its tannin, acidity and colour.
  • Syrah whilst not native to the region adds depth, dark fruit and complexity.
...the mountains of Priorat, at an altitude of 600-800m, are a true homeland for unblended Garnacha, as we discovered with artisanal gem Creu Celta,.. a snip at under £25.``

(Drinks Business - Global Grenache Masters 2023)

2020

NEW VINTAGE! IN STOCK NOW

Creu Celta

GOLD MEDAL  – Grenache Masters 2023

Creu Celta comes from Salanques, one of the coolest ‘climats’ in Priorat.

Direct Wine Shipments established the vineyard in this remarkable region in 2003.

All fruit has been sourced from our vineyard in Salanques, one of the coolest ‘terroirs’ in Priorat.

The 2019 vintage was great, scoring 90/100 from the IWC but we believe the 2020 is even better!

Made from 95% Garnatxa (Grenache) & 5% Samso (Carignan). After winter and spring rainfalls there was a dry summer resulting in ripe dark fruits but with an excellent freshness. Production was meagre but this is seriously concentrated. The wine has classic structure and impressive length.
Garnatxa is at its optimum in this vintage. Heady fruit, spice & velvety tannins abound. Redolent of top Châteauneuf du Pape! 

We are thrilled that Creu Celta 2020 has been awarded a GOLD Medal at the Global Grenache Masters.

What a superb way to complete our 20th anniversary year!

For more information, telephone: 028 9050 8000.

Full & rich with dark fruit flavours. Sweet blueberry & savoury black olive notes are underpinned by smoky & mineral nuances.

A blockbuster Syrah not unlike a Barossa Shiraz!

2020

NEW VINTAGE! IN STOCK NOW!

Terra Sagrada

The third vintage of this stunning 100% Syrah from our Priorat Vineyard.

Tiny production. Has the juiciness of low yielding, dry farmed shiraz with the elegance & nuance of a Hermitage. 

Full & rich with dark fruit flavours (blackcurrant, blue berry) with savoury black olive notes underpinned by smoky and mineral character. Works well with many rich & full flavoured dishes. 

2019 awarded 88 points from IWSC! 

Find Out More

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“I really congratulate you on the decision to make a serious wine in a top appellation, rather than just churning out ordinary wine somewhere boring.”

Charles Metcalfe

It’s perfect example of Mediterranean varieties producing their best under challenging conditions.

It was a hot vintage so its pretty concentrated, has lots of pepper, spice and dark fruit flavours plus a lush velvety finish.

Redolent of top Chateauneuf du Pape!

2019

SOLD OUT!

Creu Celta

2019 is one of the best ever vintages of Creu Celta!

Creu Celta comes from Salanques, one of the coolest ‘climats’ in Priorat.

Direct Wine Shipments established the vineyard in this remarkable region in 2003.

All fruit has been sourced from our vineyard in Salanques, one of the coolest ‘terroirs’ in Priorat.

The 2019 is a blend of : 89% Grenache ; 9% Carinena & 2% Syrah.  Rich, complex and full bodied, opulent dark spicy fruit flavours are lifted by a fresh finish.

Previous GOLD MEDAL WINNER at the U.K. Sommelier Wine Awards in 2020

For more information, telephone: 028 9050 8000.

Full & rich with dark fruit flavours. Sweet blueberry & savoury black olive notes are underpinned by smoky & mineral nuances.

A blockbuster Syrah not unlike a Barossa Shiraz!

2019

LIMITED STOCK AVAILABLE!

Terra Sagrada

The second vintage of this stunning 100% Syrah from our Priorat Vineyard.

Tiny production. Full & rich with dark fruit flavours. Sweet blueberry & savoury black olive notes are underpinned by smoky & mineral nuances.

Works well with many rich & full flavoured dishes including vegan & vegetarian recipes. It also shines with slow cooked meats, steak & hard cheese varieties.

Lovely chocolate, cherry, plum, pine and smoky nuances and the finish is rich, complex and satisfying.
This 70% Grenache & 30% Syrah blend is ideal for red meats, hard cheese varieties & full flavoured vegan & vegetarian options.

2018

IN STOCK NOW!

Creu Celta

The 2018 is more in line with vintages of the past. It was a cooler year with winter rain meaning slower vineyard maturation. The wine has good tannins and structure plus that classic Priorat freshness.

Previous GOLD MEDAL WINNER at the U.K. Sommelier Wine Awards in 2020

For more information, telephone: 028 9050 8000.

“Opaque purple rim. Pronounced, youthful nose, blackberry, vanilla, black cherry, dark chocolate, sweet spice. Firm acidity allied to high but fine dusty tannins, baked dark fruit, plum jam, lovely balance of structure and fruit, oak beautifully integrated…
This is a very serious wine.”
(Michael Palij M.W.)

2017

LIMITED STOCK AVAILABLE

Creu Celta

Rich, complex and full bodied, opulent dark spicy fruit flavours are lifted by a fresh finish.

Great with steak, slow cooked meat dishes and hard cheese varieties. Also wonderful with many vegan and vegetarian recipes such as nut roasts, mushroom dishes, stews and milder curries.

2017: 89/100 “Elegant and expressive nose. Silky soft fruit with smooth tannins with well-integrated alcohol. Long finish.” Decanter World Wine Awards 2021

A great follow on to the  GOLD MEDAL winning 2016 – Sommelier Wine Awards 2020

For more information, telephone: 028 9050 8000.

'Great typicity and intensity, with a leafy character, and sour plum and sour cherry notes.'
Olivier Gasselin, OenoTrade.

'Complex aromas of garrigue, mint, dark fruit, sticky dates, dark chocolate and coffee, with a rich palate of stewed fruits giving way to dried herbs and spice. Acidity maintains integrity, while the grippy, ripe tannins are integrated. Great to pair with fatty meats and bold flavours.'
Charlie Carter, L' Atelier Du Vin.

2016

GOLD FOR CREU CELTA 2016 AT THE SOMMELIER WINE AWARDS 2020

Creu Celta

Another super vintage release with the 2016 having the highest percentage of Garnaxta (Grenache) to date! As expected, it’s a full bodied release with chocolate, cherry, plum, pine and smoky nuances.  The finish is rich, complex and satisfying.

Great with steak, slow cooked meat dishes and hard cheese varieties. Also wonderful with many vegan and vegetarian recipes such as nut roasts, mushroom dishes, stews and milder curries. Fermented in 500 litre old barrique.

To maximise enjoyment decant before serving.

GOLD AT THE SOMMELIER WINE AWARDS 2020

2016

Terra Sagrada

Our first 100% Syrah from our Priorat Vineyard!

Tiny production. Full & rich with dark fruit flavours. Sweet blueberry & savoury black olive notes are underpinned by smoky & mineral nuances.

Works well with many rich & full flavoured dishes including vegan & vegetarian recipes. It also shines with slow cooked meats, steak & hard cheese varieties.

‘COMMENDED’ AT THE SOMMELIER WINE AWARDS 2020

2015

Creu Celta

2015 is perhaps one of the best for Creu Celta! Based on Garnaxta (Grenache) with some Syrah, it is rich, complex and full bodied. Opulent dark spicy fruit flavours are lifted by a fresh finish.

All fruit has been sourced exclusively from our vineyard in Salanques, one of the coolest ‘terroirs’ in Priorat.

Our old Garnaxta vines are complemented with vines planted in 2003-04. These are gaining a lovely maturity.

The label and packaging has been re-designed to reflect a more contemporary, simple and ‘artisan’ approach to the production of Creu Celta.

Food Match: Great with Steak, slow cooked meat dishes, firm and hard cheeses and dark chocolate.

For more information, telephone: 028 9050 8000.

2007

Vinedos McAlindon e Hijos Creu Celta Selección Especial Viñas Viejas 2007, Priorat, Spain

Creu Celta

The 2007 is a very special wine made in a brilliant year and produced mainly from a parcel of very old Carignan. Now, over 12 years old it really shows how a decade has added to this sumptuous wine. We reckon the wine will be drinking beautifully for at least another 8-10 years!

This tiny production wine is 70% Samso (Carignan) and 30% Syrah & Garnacha. The Syrah & Garnacha were vinified together and the Samso separately. It was 100% aged in new oak of which 80% was French: Tronçais & Allier. 30-40% of the wine was fermented in barrels whilst the rest was fermented in Stainless Steel.

Tasting Notes : Rich, layered and concentrated the 2007 offers the hallmark Priorat notes and aromas of chocolate, cherry, plum, pine and smoky nuances.

Food Match: The perfect wine with Steak, slow cooked meat dishes, firm and hard cheeses and dark chocolate.