Cartoixa de Montsalvat Montclass Priorat DOQ 2018

Wine Type:
Style of Wine:	Big & Bold
Country of Origin:	Spain
Wine Region:	Catalonia
Appellation:	Priorat
Grape Varietal:	Grenache, Carignan, and Syrah
Bottle Format:	750mL
Case Size:	12 bottles
$432.96 Per Case ($36.08/btl)

Tasting Notes

Established in 1995, as Celler Viella de la Cartoixa, by Francesc Sanchez-Bas, an Agricultural Engineer whose task it was to establish Organic Viticultural Practices for the Spanish Government. At this time there were only 12 other wineries in Priorat, and before Palacios and Barbier helped propel the region onto the global wine scene.

For many years, Francesc supplied grapes to other wineries in Priorat, before starting his own production under the Cartoixa de Montsalvat name. Working with ancient estate vineyards planted in the unique “Llicorella” Priorat soil (Paleozoic bedrock consisting of carboniferous slate with particles of mica and quartzite that reflects sunlight and retains heat), on steep and mineral-rich mountain slopes, the winery makes high-quality, rich and elegant Priorat D.O.Q. wines from Grenache and Carignan, establishing a new benchmark for excellence in the region.

Montclass is a blend of 65% Grenache (from 30-40 year old vines), 30% Carignan (from 80-100 year old vines), and 5% Syrah (also 30-40 year old vines), hand-harvested from low-yield vineyards on mountain slopes. The grapes macerate for 15-20 days, then fermented in temperature-controlled, stainless-steel tanks. The blend is then made, and the wine is aged for ~8 months in previously-used French-oak barrels. Alc./vol. 14.5%

Our tasting note: Deep cherry/purple colour with violet tinges. Complex aromas and flavours of black fruits - black currant, plum, cherry, and blueberry - with toasted sweet oak, mocha, vanilla spice, and black pepper notes. Intense, yet balanced, with good acidity, sweet, ripe tannins, and long finish.

Pairings: Grilled and braised meats - beef and lamb - earthy vegetarian dishes, and spicy Moroccan dishes.

Critical Praise