We’re always seeking wine that’s delicious, food friendly, and affordable, right? For so many of us, wines that are from “off the beaten track” regions are enticing, too. Winelovers crave unusual choices that can’t be found on the grocery store shelf. We’re seeking wines from an undiscovered area or from one just on the cusp of being internationally recognized. I found wines that meet all of the above criteria during a recent press trip to DO Montsant.
Located in the province of Tarragona, a mere hour and a half drive from Barcelona, Montsant is named after the striking Montsant mountains visible in the distance. Formerly known as the “Falset subzone of Tarragona”, it was created as a separate DO in 2001. By 2002, wines were sold as “Montsant” instead of “Tarragona”. Since that time, 65-member wineries and private labels in six sub-zones have worked diligently to carve out a distinct niche in the wine world.
The region itself is known for its production of high quality red wines. Trust me, during the trip I tasted plenty of glorious examples of Garnatxa/Grenache (35.79% of the total reds planted), Carinyena/Carignan (30% of the total reds planted), and other lesser planted varieties such as Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon. All thrive in very hot, sunny, and dry conditions found in the area. Boasting intense aromatics and notes of spice, herbs, and rich red fruit, these exceptional wines have securely placed the DO Montsant on the map of must-visit wine regions in Spain.
Red wines aside, what about the whites? Isn’t it too hot to produce white wines that can rival those from other regions?
Keep reading! The DO Montsant produces lovely white wines of Garnatxa Blanca/White Grenache (54.67% of the total whites planted), Macabeu/Viura (39.39% of the total whites planted), and others such as Chardonnay, Moscatell de Gra Petit, Xarel-lo, and Parellada. However, the volume in hectares of these varieties combined is a mere 6% of the total of all grapes in the region. Admittedly, they’re difficult to find, but when you do, you’ll explore and enjoy the nuances of refreshing, exceptional white wines from a region worth your consideration.
Garnatxa Blanca has adapted well to these hot climates. With terrific acidity and balance, the voluptuous and silky notes of herbs and citrus on both nose and palate were a welcome pairing to many of the traditional foods I tasted during the trip (click here for food and wine pairings from Montsant). Macabeu ripens well with concentrated sugars; wines tend to be incredibly invigorating and balanced with orchard and fleshy fruit aromas and flavors. The acidity? Just perfect on a hot summer day.
The following white wines from DO Montsant deserve a pour in your glass. Please check out the website of each producer then visit your local wine shop for a taste sensation you’ll revisit again and again.
From Portal del Montsant, the Saint Bru Blanc 2013, of 85% Garnatxa Blanca and 15% Garnatxa, exuded floral and tropical fruit notes.
Cheers! ~ Cindy
