Montsant

In 2002, the group of vineyards which made up the Falset region of DO Tarragona broke free to create their own Denominació d’Origen. Montsant rings the DOQ Priorat, and adopted the name from the Monsant mountains surrounding the appellation. DO Montsant has also experienced remarkable growth, going from 28 official cellars in 2002, and now number 57 wineries.

Vinya4The vast majority of the wines produced is of the red variety, which according to the DO Montsant website, currently is 94%. Like the DOQ Priorat it surrounds, Monsant has a large percentage of its wines incorporating old vine Grenache and Carignan varieties. Ironically, Monsant is known for its youthful vinters who have grown into the winemaking tradition, and has also welcomed European transplants looking to create dynamic reds in the region.

The history of wines in the region dates back to Carthusian monks who were encouraged to populate the region after the Catalan monarchs managed to defeat the Moors. The Carthusian order was founded by Bruno of Cologne in Grenoble, France. The monks planted vineyards upon their arrival.

Currently, there are a mix of large cooperatives and smaller family-run wineries occupying the region. Capitalising on the reputation of their DOQ Priorat neighbours, DO Montsant has established their own reputation of quality wines, but at a significant savings. Some of the best reds and the best sweet wines are being made in Montsant, with Spain’s top wine critic giving two wines from the region in his “exceptional wine” category. DO Montsant has a strong export element, with the wines now distributed to over 30 countries worldwide.

DO Montsant is one of the few regions in Catalunya where Kosher wine is produced, with Celler de Capçanes being the most well known.

The authorised varieties are as follows:

White Wines

  • Chardonnay, Grenache, Macabeo, Muscat blanc a petits grains, Parellada, Xarel lo

Red Wines

  • Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan, Grenache, Merlot, Mourvedre, Red Picapoll, Syrah, Tempranillo

The list of operating vineyards are as listed below. Vineyards with websites are hotlinked in blue.

DO_Montsant