When most people think of Spanish wine, they speak of Rioja, Ribera del Duero, or even Priorat, which is producing some of Spain’s best wines right now. Rarely, if ever, do you hear someone say, “Where can I score a wine from Montsant?” Well, now is the time! Montstant (an official D.O. since 2002) surrounds much of the Priorat and is producing some absolutely fantastic wines. It is here that you get all the quality of a Priorat wine without the hefty price tag. One of my favorite wines over the past year has been a wine from this region – 2006 Etim Selección (91 points from Robert Parker). This wine is made from 60% Garnacha, 30% Cariñena, and 10% Syrah aged for six months in French and American oak. Flavors of minerals, black cherry, and dried fruits give this wine excellent depth as well as a long finish. At about $15/bottle this wine will blow your mind!
The D.O. Montsant benefits from contrasting day/night temperatures and receives moisture from sea winds. This is vital for the grapes as there is not a tremendous amount of rainfall in the region. The predominant red wine grape from this region is Garnacha. The wines are either produced exclusively from Garnacha or from a blend of this varietal with any others. T
he wines from this region tend to be meaty and powerful with a high alcohol content (right on!).
Montsant: Move Over Big Brother
July 5, 2009
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