Discover
Montsant
As your trusted neighborhood wine retailer, we try to let you in on the
"next big things" in the wine world, where value is often greatest. Such a "thing" is Spain's Montsant region. Located in the Northeast, near
Barcelona, it was only recently recognized as an appellation (in late 2001), yet has a long history of winemaking. It has been overshadowed by its
neighboring region, Priorat, which, since being taken on by ambitious young winemakers in the 80s, now commands some of the highest prices in Spain
for its wines. Many wine experts are calling Montsant "The Next Priorat," and the comparison is not without cause. The regions share similar
topographies and soil types, grow many of the same varietals (largely Grenache, Carignan, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot), and are being tended
to by young, determined and modern winemakers. Check out a great article in the New York Times from last July about this exciting region. Jump on it now, because in a few
years, when you might be able to drop the "Next" part of "Next Big Thing," the prices will surely have followed Priorat's lead.
A winery called Capcanes could accurately be described as the dominant
force in Montsant; they first gained acclaim by making kosher wines for Barcelona's Jewish population, and were largely responsible for getting the
area its D.O.C. status in 2001. Winemaker Cisco Perello recently began a side project
called La Cova dels Vins, and we have obtained a couple of their offerings at fantastic prices.
La Cova dels Vins "OMBRA"
Grenache / Carignon / Cab Sauv
$12 (was $20!)
Good mouthfeel, with nice red fruit, slightly meaty with a bit of cocoa,
or even dark chocolate. Finish has a slightly spicy finish that we like. It does not have that overripe, cooked fruit profile that a lot of lower
priced Spanish wines seem to have. Not over the top at all, with excellent balance.
90 points - Wine Advocate (Robert Parker)
La Cova dels Vins "TERROS"
Grenache / Carignan / Syrah
$20 (was $25!)
One reason up-and-coming winemakers took on Montsant was its large number
of old vine plantings. In this wine, the age of vines range from 25% at 20 years old, 25% at 75 years old, and 50% at 96 years old! That spells
"extraction, extraction, extraction." Inky purple, it exhibits a fragrant perfume of cedar, tobacco, pepper, cassis, black cherry, and blackberry.
Supple on the palate, this plush wine is forward and easy to drink. The tannins are ripe and soft, the finish long and pure.
92 points - Wine Advocate (Robert Parker)
