Montsant and its wines

Montsant is one of the most interesting emerging appellations of Catalonia, in the province of Tarragona, in north-eastern Spain.
Established in 2001, the DO Montsant takes in a semicircular area around the more famous Priorat, with which it shares soils, climate and varieties, but it offers wines more approachable and highly authentic.

The area

The landscape is mountainous, with altitudes between 200 and 700 metres, and varied soils: slate, granite, clay and limestone. The a Mediterranean climate with continental influences guarantees wide temperature swings between day and night, encouraging aromatic concentration and freshness.

The wines of Montsant are intense, deep and mineral, but with a more delicate, less angular soul than Priorat. The appellation is particularly appreciated for the way it makes the most of old vines of Garnacha (Grenache) e Cariñena (Carignan).

What is the Montsant wine district?

The DO Montsant (Denominación de Origen) covers 17 municipalities, including:

• Falset, Marçà, Cornudella de Montsant, El Masroig, Capçanes, Darmós, La Figuera, Ulldemolins

It is a young, dynamic appellation with a strong local identity, focused on:

• Complex, Mediterranean red wines

• Mineral and rare white wines

• Bush-trained vines, some over a hundred years old

Characteristics of Montsant Wines

Colour

• Reds: Deep ruby red with purple highlights

• Whites: Pale golden yellow, bright

Aromas

• Fruity: Ripe black fruit, prune, cherry, citrus

• Floral: Lavender, Mediterranean scrubland herbs

• Spicy and Mineral: Liquorice, black pepper, warm stone, graphite

Palate

• Full-bodied and Enveloping: Considerable structure and sweet tannins

• Fresh and Savoury: Good acidity, a persistent finish

• Balanced: Well-integrated alcohol, excellent ageing capacity

Typical Grape Varieties of Montsant

Black Grape

• Garnacha (Grenache): The dominant grape variety, powerful, spicy, fruity

• Cariñena (Carignan): Tannin, structure, depth

• Syrah: Perfect for modern blends

• Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Ull de Llebre (Tempranillo)

White Grape

• Garnacha Blanca: Richness, structure and minerality

• Macabeo: Freshness and fragrance

• Chenin Blanc, Moscatel: In small quantities

Why choose a wine from Montsant?

Montsant is ideal for anyone looking for:

• Alternatives to Priorat with better value for money

• Intense but balanced Mediterranean reds, from old vines

• Rare and mineral white wines from Garnacha Blanca

• Excellent wines for barbecued meat, game, spicy dishes