Dossier Montsant (ENG)

Wines with a Sense of Place
DO Montsant
Introduction
The Montsant wine appellation or Designation of Origin has gone from being one of the
revelations of the last few years to being a reference point for the national and international
wine scene. The quality of its wines, made from Garnatxa (Grenache) and Carinyena
(Carignan) grape varieties has proved the critics and specialist press right, when they
qualified the appellation as “a rising star” and a “great discovery”.
Now, the New York Times speaks of the Montsant as a DO (wine appellation) “(which has)
reinvented (itself)...new producers have jumped into the global fray.”. The Guia Peñin, the
most important wine guide in Spain, says that it “is the DO which has grown most in terms
of quality in Catalonia; a DO where all wineries have worked well, to a point where we can
now speak of a Montsant brand”. Sobremesa, one of the most outstanding gastronomy
magazines in Spain, affirms that Montsant “is enjoying a passionate romance with
consumers and critics”. Finally, La Guia de Vins (Catalan Wine Guide), a benchmark in
Catalonia, also praises the DO and writes that “Montsant is the avant-garde of a way of
A Sense of Place
making wine, which over time has been consolidated as an option in its own right”.
This acclaim by specialist wine press is mirrored by consumers. Nowadays, Montsant wines
What makes a good wine into a great one is its capacity to transmit where
can be found on tables in around forty countries. Nearly half of the wines made in Montsant
it comes from. This sense of place in Montsant leads to unique wines
are destined for export.
which tell of how climatic diversity, mountainous terrain and different soil
Montsant wineries have maintained their goal to keep surprising and captivating us with
wines of great quality. These wines are true to a land, which, with a contrasting climate,
rugged terrain, diverse soil types and historical grape varieties, coupled with man’s helping
hand, can add numerous nuances to the finished product.
types and grape varieties, coupled with man’s helping hand can add
numerous nuances to the finished product.
These wines are unique, bursting with their own identity, wines which add
diversity and enrich the DO and yet still manage to define it globally.
DO Montsant
Location and Lay of the Land
The DO Montsant is made up of seventeen municipal areas which are mainly
and Llaberia mountain ranges or Catalan Coastal Mountain Ranges which augur
located in the “comarca” (county) of Priorat. There are also some vineyards
the closeness of this part to the Mediterranean sea. They face towards La
located in the “comarca” (county) of Ribera d’Ebre and in total the vineyard area
Figuera and the Tormo mountains which are on the other side of the
for both regions is around 1,800 Hectares (4,447 Acres). The land of the DO
appellation. To the south, the land broadens and opens up towards the Ebro
Montsant forms a semi-circle of mountainous terrain which on paper makes a
river valley, where the rivers of Siurana and Montsant converge. These two rivers
rather interesting shape. To the North, our wine appellation is home to the
and that of Capçanes creek are the main water sources of our vineyards.
impressive Montsant mountain range (which lends its name to the DO) and La
The DO Montsant relief is varied and mountainous. In some areas its hills are
Llena mountain range which are joined onto the leafy Prades mountain range.
rolling, especially to the south. The vineyards are located at between 50 metres
To the east, the boundaries are marked by the Argentera, Mola de Colldejou
above sea level in the lowest areas, up to 700 metres in the highest areas.
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DO Montsant
Climate
The DO. Montsant climate is influenced by the mountainous terrain, the Ebro River
(especially the southern zone) and Mediterranean sea breezes. Due to these factors,
the climate is Mediterranean with continental aspects.
The effect of the mountains, which partly protect the vines from maritime influences is
clearly seen in an acute contrast between day-time and night-time temperatures
during the ripening period of the grapes. This difference helps to increase the level of
polyphenols, leading to the production of more consistent wines. The average
minimum temperature is around 9ºC and the average maximum temperatures are no
more than 21ºC. In general, the winters are cold and the summers hot and dry. Rainfall
is around 400-700 litres/m² a year and are unevenly distributed throughout the year,
occurring mainly in springtime and autumn.
During the summer, the humid winds from the sea start to blow inland in the late
afternoon. These winds bring much needed extra moisture during the dry months
leading up to grape ripening.
Given the relief of the DO Montsant, we can find an infinite number of microclimates
which give each vineyard plot its own special personality.
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DO Montsant
Soil Types
DO Montsant soils are very diverse and denote a richness of origin and
discover more minority based soil types within these main soil outcrops.
composition which afford it a mosaic-like quality throughout the area. Even
Often in the DO Montsant, a stroll through any vineyard, reveals how
though in each zone there is a prevailing soil type, it is often not unusual to
capricious geology has been with this land.
Calcareous or limestone-based soils
Granitic soils
Slate-based soils
Compact soils, whose main sedimentary
Decomposed soils, made up mainly of
Slate-based soils made up of silica slate
materials were caused by the erosion and
granitic sand which occur when
which is known locally as “llicorella”.
sedimentation of rivers, such as silty loam
conglomerate masses are eroded.
These soils are poor in organic matter.
(also known locally as “panal” in this
These soils are low in organic matter
As these stones are eroded, we can also
area). We can also find reddish soils, high
and do not retain water well.
find more compacted red clay soils.
in clay content.
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DO Montsant
Grape Varieties - Historical ones and prevailing ones
Reds
Garnatxa Negra (Red Grenache)
A variety which is very well adapted to very hot and dry conditions. A very sensual grape
in terms of aromatic profile, which produces very complex, well structured wines. Garnatxa
Negra (Red Grenache) wines typically offer aromas of ripe black fruit, plums, jam,
Mediterranean herbs and spicy notes. On the other hand, due to the high concentrations
of sugar, overly ripe grapes and the grape varieties sensitivity to oxidize, Garnatxa Negra
(Red Grenache) is also used for fortified wines.
Carinyena (Carignan)
This is also known in the area as Samsó (in Catalan) and is a relatively productive grape
variety which needs a lot of sunshine in order to ripen properly. Carinyena (Carignan) wines
are deeply coloured and aromatically very intense. Alcohol levels tend to be moderate
and these wines have very good acidity. In the mouth, they are slightly astringent and very
elegant.
Red Grapes
1.711,56Ha
94%
Variety
Hectares
%
Garnatxa Negra
Carinyena
Ull de llebre
Syrah
Merlot
Cabernet Sauvignon
Garnatxa Peluda
Garnatxa Roja
Picapoll Negre
Monastrell
Total
589,03
516,89
196,59
134,81
125,48
122,16
12,46
10,05
2,75
1,34
1711,56
34,41%
30,20%
11,49%
7,88%
7,33%
7,14%
0,73%
0,59%
0,16%
0,08%
100,00%
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DO Montsant
Grape Varieties - Historical ones and prevailing ones
Whites
Garnatxa Blanca (White Grenache)
This variety is well adapted to hot climates. It gives a very juicy, aromatic grape, which
is used for making very distinct white wines which are very flavoursome. Garnatxa
Blanca white wines offer great acidity and balance, be them young wines or oaked
wines. Aromas of honey, forest floor and certain silkiness in the mouth are very typical
of Garnatxa Blanca wines.
Macabeu (Viura)
Large berries, fine skinned and a golden yellow colour. These grapes ripen will and
have well concentrated sugars. They make dry wines which are refreshing and well
balanced. Fruit aromas such as apple and white fleshed fruits are typical of the
Macabeu grape variety.
White Grapes
104,37Ha
6%
Variety
Garnatxa Blanca
Macabeu
Chardonnay
Moscatell de Gra Petit
Xarel·lo
Parellada
Total
Hectares
55,12
37,75
3,71
1,36
6,27
0,16
104,37
%
52,81%
36,17%
3,55%
1,30%
6,01%
0,15%
100,00%
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DO Montsant
Vineyards, People, Wineries
DO Montsant wines are the result of a century
old tradition coupled with up-to-date
academic knowledge. These are hand-crafted
wines, where the winemaker is present
throughout the winemaking process. This
process is the result of an unmistakeable
relationship between the vineyards and the
winery. The winegrower looks after the vines so
that cellar masters and winemakers receive the
best grapes possible, the ones which allow
them to make wines which are enjoyed and
loved the world over.
The DO Montsant embraces all its wineries.
These wineries can go from being big
cooperative wineries down to small family
businesses, with private wineries of different
shapes and sizes in between. Whatever the
business structure or production levels, they all
share the same goal: to make quality wines
which tell of this land.
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DO Montsant
DO Montsant Zoning Project
The DO Montsant Zoning Project began in 2008 and is a way of creating
Based on relief and climatic analysis as well as the phenolic vineyard cycle of
self-awareness of the DO and is also a way to deepen ties with wine and the
Garnatxa (Grenache) and Carinyena (Carigna) vines, the DO. Montsant has
surrounding area. It also re-affirms the identity and furthers the winegrowing
effectively been divided into 6 different zones. In each of these zones, the
potential.
soil types found there have also been identified.
La Figuera - Cabaces - La Bisbal - Margalef
13,37ºC
300-500m
Cornudella de Montsant - Ulldemolins
395,23mm
14,33ºC
32%
400-700m
%
484,74mm
%
27%
The vineyards are planted on clay-based soils with a
calcareous or limestone based substrate.
The Ulldemolins zone is characterised by its loamy soils.
In Cornudella, we can find limestone-based soils, slates
and round pebbles.
El Molar - El Masroig - Darmós
Falset
15,55ºC
50-300m
%
440,7mm
14,97ºC
17%
300-400m
A zone which contains many soil types. We can find
clays, loams and sand as well as stonier soils of
Llicorella (slate).
Marçà - Capçanes - Els Guiamets - La Serra
16,05ºC
100-500m
%
%
15%
Here we find sandy areas known as “sauló” (decomposed
granite). There are also stony soils with a mix of Llicorella
(slate) and granite which do not tend to retain water.
Pradell de la Teixeta - La Torre de Fontaubella
525mm
14,02ºC
14%
330-420m
Here the soils are clay-based, with good water retention.
There are also Llicorella soils and soils which are a mix
between sandy soils and loam.
649,9mm
667,2mm
%
30%
The vineyards planted here are on loamy soils, known
locally as “panal”. The zone is characterised by gravelly,
sandy and limestone-based soils.
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DO Montsant
Some data about DO Montsant
Towns: 16.
Global
Wineries: 53.
Vineyards: 1.815,93 Ha.
Red Varieties: 1.711,56 Ha. 96%.
White Varieties: 104,37 Ha. 6%.
40%
Production: 7-9 millions de kg.
Production 2014: 7.992.831 kg.
60%
Commercialitzation 2014: 5.478.492 bottles.
Spain
Export
Export
38%
62%
UE
Other Countries
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DO Montsant
Landscape
DO Montsant Grape growers and wineries have successfully combined human
These values define DO Montsant wines, values which make us proud and which
activity with landscape preservation. The agricultural landscape has been one of
we always transmit to those who wish to get to know them.
the region’s most precious assets for centuries. It tells of the farmers, who have
The DO Montsant, together with the DOQ Priorat head up the county’s UNESCO
worked this land in very much a positive way. Today’s modern world increasingly
candidature to declare the area a World Heritage Site. The goal is to achieve
appreciates natural areas which have not been destroyed by lack of respect for
international recognition of this agricultural model that seamlessly combines a
Nature or by aggressive actions. This landscape has been little exploited and is
long-standing Mediterranean agrarian tradition, with creativity and innovation
synonym of a job well done. It is an example of quality and sustainability.
without losing sight of the future.
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DO Montsant
A Little History
First evidence of wine-making in the area dates back to the Roman Empire. Remains of a
via the nearby city of Reus led to centuries of successful wine production. The high point
Roman villa or settlement have been found in the little village of Marçà. Amongst the
of this trade came in the nineteenth century, when Montsant wines were exported to
pieces found were wine amphorae which were probably destined to be consumed in the
France, intended mainly for traders in Bordeaux and Roussillon, specifically to the winery
great city of Tarraco (present-day Tarragona and Roman Empire capital in Hispania).
of Thuir in Roussillon. Wines from today’s DO Montsant were already present and winning
Major planting of vineyards took place in what is now the DO Montsant in the Middle
awards at the World Fairs of the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.
Ages. This growth was more notable particularly after the conquest of these lands from
At the end of the nineteenth century, the phylloxera plague saw the beginning of an
the Moors and the subsequent re-population of the area by the Christians. The hamlet of
important crisis in the sector. Co-operative wineries were set up to try to maintain grape-
Siurana was the last Moorish stronghold in Catalonia which was finally conquered in 1153.
growing in the area and to stop the rapid depopulation as people rushed to the cities to
However, it was during the re-introduction of Christianity to the area, that the Carthusian
find work. Good examples of these co-operatives are the beautiful Art Nouveau wineries
monks of Scala Dei made grapes an inseparable part of this land, bringing in new farming
of Falset and Cornudella de Montsant which date from 1919 and are still in use today.
techniques which enabled the area under vine to expand further. The establishment of the
In 1932, the first official wine appellations were recognised by the Spanish state and were
Carthusian Priory or Charterhouse was so important that the “comarca” or administrative
identified in the “Estatut del Vi” or “Wine Statute”. DO Tarragona was one of the first
county adopted its name: Priorat (meaning the Land of the Prior) which is now home to
wine appellations to be mentioned in this document. Within its limits lay the “Falset
two wine appellations.
subzone”, which was located in what is now the current DO. Montsant area. Finally, and
There followed moments of crisis and moments of splendour, but winemaking has been a
taking into account the specific characteristics of our wines and the importance of grape
constant activity in the villages of the DO Montsant since then. International commerce
growing in the area, in 2001, the Montsant Designation of Origin was ratified.
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DO Montsant
Wineries
Acústic Celler (Marçà)
(+34) 629 472 988
acusticceller.com
Bottles: 150.000.
Wines: Acústic, Braó, Auditori.
Agrícola Aubacs i Solans (La Figuera)
(+34) 977 825 228 / 606 366 250
Bottles: 7.000 – 10.000.
Wines: Aubacs i Solans.
Agrícola d’Ulldemolins (Ulldemolins)
Amics del Gobe (Marçà)
Celler Anguera Domènech (Darmós)
(+34) 977 651 613 / 646 955 468
coopulldemolins.com
(+34) 679 606 819
[email protected]
(+34) 977 405 857 / 654 382 633
vianguera.com
Bottles: 25.000.
Wines: Pedrenyeres, Ulldemolins.
Bottles: 1.000.
Wines: Gobe.
Bottles: 10.000 - 15.000.
Wines: Reclot i Vinya Gasó.
Agrícola La Serra d’Almos (La Serra d’Almos)
Baronia del Montsant (Cornudella de Montsant)
Celler Cairats (Darmós)
(+34) 977 418 125
serradalmos.com
Bottles: 12.000 - 15.000.
(+34) 977 821 483 / 667 666 066
(+34) 685 194 745
baronia-m.com
Bottles: 150.000.
cellercairats.com
Bottles: 10.000.
Wines: Mussefres, L’Om.
Wines: Englora, Englora AV14, Cims del Montsant.
Wines: Cairats, Cairats Selecció.
Alfredo Arribas (Falset)
Celler AiBar (Darmós)
(+34) 932 531 760
(+34) 977 417 532 / 639 321 367
celleraibar.eu
portaldelpriorat.com
Bottles: 50.000 – 60.000.
Wines: Trossos Sants, Siuralta, Faunus, Gotes.
Bottles: 20.000 – 25.000.
Wines: XYZ, Parrell.
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DO Montsant
Celler Cedó Anguera (La Serra d’Almos)
(+34) 699 694 728
cedoanguera.com
Bottles: 30.000.
Wines: Anexe Samsó, Anexe Syrah, Clònic.
Celler Clos Mesorah (Marçà)
(+34) 606 186 565
elviVins.com
Bottles: 4.000.
Wines: Clos Mesorah.
Celler Clos Pissarra (Falset)
(+34) 626 656 730
miuravineyards.com
Bottles: 8.000.
Wines: Clos Pissarra.
Celler Comunica (Falset)
(+34) 600 753 840 / 607 531 018
cellercomunica.com
Bottles: 30.000 – 35.000.
Wines: Comunica, La Peluda, Vinya Goretti, La Comèdia.
Celler Cooperatiu de Cornudella (Cornudella de Montsant)
Celler de l’Era (Cornudella de Montsant)
(+34) 977 821 329
cellercornudella.cat
(+34) 686 246 679
cellerdelera.com
Bottles: 35.000 – 40.000.
Wines: Castell de Siurana, Les Troies, El Codolar.
Bottles: 30.000 - 35.000.
Wines: Bri, Mim.
Celler de Capçanes (Capçanes)
Celler el Masroig (El Masroig)
(+34) 977 178 319
(+34) 977 825 026
cellercapcanes.com
Bottles: 850.000 – 1.000.000.
Wines: Mas Collet, Cabrida, Costers Gravet, Peraj Ha’abib.
cellermasroig.com
Bottles: 900.000 – 1.000.000.
Wines: Les Sorts, Ètnic, Solà Fred, Pinyeres.
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DO Montsant
Celler Serra Major (Ulldemolins)
(+34) 647 986 960
[email protected]
Bottles: 2.000 – 3.000.
Wines: Sarroges, Teix.
Celler Vermunver (Marçà)
(+34) 977 178 288 / 686 143 240
genesi.cat
Bottles: 4.000.
Wines: Gènesi Garnatxa, Gènesi Carinyena, Gènesi Selecció.
Cellers Can Blau (El Molar)
(+34) 968 435 022
gilfamily.es
Celler Els Guiamets (Els Guiamets)
Celler Malondro (Cornudella de Montsant)
(+34) 977 413 018
cellerelsguiamets.com
(+34) 977 821 451 / 636 595 736
malondro.es
Bottles: 110.000 - 125.000.
Wines: Mas dels Mets, Les Tallades, Gran Mets.
Bottles: 20.000 – 25.000.
Wines: Malondro, Latria, Coelum.
Celler La Placeta (Els Guiamets)
Celler Mas de les Vinyes (Cabacés)
(+34) 676 578 925
(+34) 977 719 690 / 652 568 848
cellerlaplaceta.com
Bottles: 3.000.
masdelesvinyes.com
Bottles: 20.000 – 25.000.
Wines: Blanc La Placeta, 30-5 Negre Jove.
Wines: Mas de les Vinyes, Traca i Mocador, Racó d’Atans.
Celler Laurona (Falset)
Celler Pascona (Falset)
(+34) 977 831 712 / 678 710 267
cellerlaurona.com
(+34) 609 291 770
pascona.com
Bottles: 50.000 – 55.000.
Wines: Laurona, Laurona Plini.
Bottles: 15.000 – 20.000.
Wines: Lo Petitó, La Mare, Lo Pare, Trencaclosques.
Bottles: 425.000 – 500.000.
Wines: Blau, Can Blau, Mas de Can Blau.
Cellers Capafons-Ossó (Falset)
(+34) 977 831 201 / 626 335 785
capafons-osso.com
Bottles: 4.000 – 6.000.
Wines: Auseta, Roigenc, Vessants, Masia Esplanes.
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DO Montsant
Cellers Joan d’Anguera (Darmós)
(+34) 977 418 348
cellersjoandanguera.com
Bottles: 100.000 – 110.000.
Wines: Altaroses, Joan d’Anguera, Finca L’Argatà, La Planella.
Cellers Sant Rafel (Pradell de la Teixeta)
(+34) 689 792 305
cellerssantrafel.com
Bottles: 25.000 – 30.000.
Wines: Solpost, Solpost Fresc, Joana, Joana Selecció.
Cellers Unió (Els Guiamets)
(+34) 977 842 352 / 607 223 818
cellersunio.com
Bottles: 450.000 – 500.000.
Wines: Perlat, Dairo, Clos Dalian.
Coca i Fitó (El Masroig)
Ficaria Vins (La Figuera)
(+34) 619 777 419
cocaifito.cat
(+34) 617 548 453
ficariavins.net
Cingles Blaus (Cornudella de Montsant)
Bottles: 145.000.
Wines: Jaspi, Coca i Fitó, Cabirol, Aloja.
Bottles: 5.000 – 7.000.
Wines: Pater, Èlia, Cerverola, Matraketa.
Cooperativa Falset Marçà (Falset)
Finca Fontanals (Falset)
(+34) 977 830 105
(+34) 977 368 841
etim.cat
Bottles: 425.000 – 500.000.
fincafontanals.com
Bottles: 1.500 – 2.000.
Wines: Ètim, Lo Foc, Lo Senyor, La Dama de Blanc.
Wines: Finca Fontanals.
El Vi dels 20 (Falset)
Grifoll Declara Grup (El Molar)
(+34) 616 515 012
[email protected]
(+34) 977 825 149 / 626 176 474
[email protected]
Bottles: 4.000.
Wines: El vi dels 20.
Bottles: 40.000 – 50.000.
Wines: Tossals.
(+34) 977 326 080 / 657 969 185
cinglesblaus.com
Bottles: 20.000 – 25.000.
Wines: Cingles Blaus, Octubre, Mas de les Moreres.
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DO Montsant
Ronadelles (Cornudella de Montsant)
(+34) 977 821 104 / 663 665 016
ronadelles.com
Bottles: 130.000 – 140.000.
Wines: Cap de Ruc, Petit, Giral Vinyes Velles.
Serra i Barceló (Els Guiamets)
(+34) 649 670 430
serra-barcelo.com
Bottles: 5.000 – 6.000.
Wines: Octònia.
Spectacle Vins (La Figuera)
(+34) 977 839 171
espectaclevins.com
Josep Grau Viticultor (Marçà)
(+34) 678 730 596
josepgrauviticultor.com
Noguerals (Cornudella de Montsant)
(+34) 977 821 020 / 650 033 546
noguerals.com
Bottles: 25.000 – 30.000.
Wines: Vespres, L’Efecte Volador, Regina.
Bottles: 2.000 – 2.500.
Wines: Corbatera.
Mas de l’Abundància (El Masroig)
Orto Vins (El Masroig)
(+34) 627 471 444
masdelabundancia.com
Bottles: 25.000 – 30.000.
(+34) 629 171 246
Bottles: 6.000.
Wines: Espectacle.
Vendrell Rived (Marçà)
(+34) 977 178 150 / 637 537 383
vendrellrived.com
Bottles: 20.000 – 25.000.
Wines: Serè, Miloca, L’Alleu.
ortovins.com
Bottles: 40.000.
Wines: Mas de l’Abundància, Flvminis, HeMa, De Calpino.
Wines: Orto, Les Comes d’Orto, La Carrerada, Palell.
Mas Perinet (Cornudella de Montsant)
Portal del Montsant (Marçà)
(+34) 977 827 113
masperinet.com
(+34) 977 178 486 / 649 177 067
portaldelmontsant.com
Bottles: 400.
Wines: Clos Maria, Gotia.
Bottles: 125.000 – 130.000.
Wines: Brunus, Bruberry, Sant Bru.
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DO Montsant
Venus La Universal (Falset)
Vins de Mas Sersal (Falset)
Vinyes Domènech (Capçanes)
(+34) 977 830 545 / 639 121 244
venuslauniversal.com
(+34) 626 686 084
estones.cat
(+34) 670 375 828 / 607 192 820
vinyesdomenech.com
Bottles: 90.000 – 100.000.
Wines: Dido, Venus.
Bottles: 5.000 – 6.000.
Wines: Estones, Petites Estones, Terces.
Bottles: 55.000.
Viñas del Montsant (Marçà)
Vinyes d’en Gabriel (Darmós)
(+34) 977 831 309
(+34) 977 418 307 / 609 989 345
fraguerau.com
Bottles: 55.000 – 60.000.
vinyesdengabriel.com
Bottles: 40.000 – 45.000.
Wines: Garbó, Amor Loco.
Wines: L’Heravi, Cuvilar, Mans de Samsó.
Wines: Bancal, Furvus, Teixar, La Rita.
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Consell Regulador de la DO Montsant.
Plaça de la Quartera, 6. 43730 Falset (Spain).
Tel. (+34) 977 83 17 42.
E-mail: [email protected].
Web: domontsant.com.
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