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D.O. MONTSANT [sacred mountain]
The D.O. Montsant is a young wine appellation and so too are its professionals. Many winemakers are under 40 years old. A prestigious US wine expert who visited our wine region once observed: “when you visit France, you see a lot of winemakers of advancing age, yet here, in Montsant, they are all young and wear jeans!”. We at the D.O. Montsant believe that youth, coupled with a solid wine-making tradition is synonymous of future, new ideas and taking risks. To conclude, this is the D.O. Montsant today: a young wine appellation with a promising future ahead of it.
“Montsant wine should be understood as an association between Grenache and Carignan - These grape varieties define the terroir and the character of the wines of Montsant" José Peñín
* THE GRAPES *
Garnacha/Grenache/Garnatxa
Garnatxa is a high-yielding grape that produces red intense, meaty, spicy and vigorous wines that tend to show more red fruit and dark spice aromas. This is the most widely grown red grape in Spain, especially in La Rioja, Madrid, Navarre, Tarragona, Teruel, Toledo and Zaragoza, but also has a very prominent position thoughout the political region of Catalunya. Carignan/Samsó/Mazuelo It’s important to note that although you may read Cariñena on the label of a Montsant wine, technically, it should be replaced with another variation of the name, as Cariñena is reserved the DO located in the northern region of Aragon. Also interesting to note is that there is still a debate as to whether Cariñena is the same as Samsó or whether they are simply part of the same genetic family, but still uniquly different grapes. As to the wines this grape tends to produce, one can say that that they´re robuts, as a result of their high acidity, tannin and color. However, they are also perfect for aging, producing dark red fruit wines full of personality. |
Cami Dels Cartoixes
Path of the Carthusian Monks! In the middle ages The Carthusian order seeking solitude and meditation settled the hills of Montsant. As they settled they introduced new planting and viticultural practices & dramatically increased wine production in the region. Monks are often involved in the history of winemaking in the more desolate parts of Spain. |
* EL VINO *
R-OH* Cornudella de Montsant
R-OH* from Montsant is brought to you by R.O.Q. (the Republic of Quibia) - The story of Quibia will be explained later. R-OH* hails from Cornudela de Monsant - it is sourced from old Garnacha and Carignan vines that seduced a hapless Quibian or two and told them to drop everything and make wine - a fresh wine with just enough oak to sail out of the steep rocky hills of Montsant and across the pond to the Americas.
The journey was long - it started over two years ago and we expect the first ship to arrive at the end of October 2011 - only 1,000cs made
Vineyards: Tiny parcels less than an acre in size planted with 50+ year old bush vines at 2.500 feet. Soil is red clay covered with ancient round river stones called Codols and some Licorella (slate).
Vinification/ Ageing: Grapes are fermented separately in concrete vats then blended and aged in 2nd year oak barrels for 4 months.
Blend: 60% Garnatxa, 40% Mazuela or Samso = (Carignan)
The journey was long - it started over two years ago and we expect the first ship to arrive at the end of October 2011 - only 1,000cs made
Vineyards: Tiny parcels less than an acre in size planted with 50+ year old bush vines at 2.500 feet. Soil is red clay covered with ancient round river stones called Codols and some Licorella (slate).
Vinification/ Ageing: Grapes are fermented separately in concrete vats then blended and aged in 2nd year oak barrels for 4 months.
Blend: 60% Garnatxa, 40% Mazuela or Samso = (Carignan)
