Montsant DO
Montsant DO is a Spanish Denominación de Origen for wine located in the province of Tarragona (Catalonia, Spain) and covers 12 municipalities. It was previously known as the Falset subzone of Tarragona (DO), and was created as a separate DO in the early 2000s. Montsant takes its name from the Montsant mountains in the area.
There are currently about 1,857 hectares (4,590 acres) of Montsant vineyards.
Approximately 94% of the production is DO of red wine with 62% exportation outside of Spain, 28% consumed in Catalonia, and 10% sold to the rest of Spain.
Climate
The climate is Mediterranean with continental influences. Summers are dry and annual rainfall is about 650 mm, falling mainly in autumn. There is only an occasional risk of hailstones or frost.
Grape varieties
The authorized white varieties are: Chardonnay, White Grenache, Macabeo, Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains, Parellada, and Xarel·lo.
The authorized red varieties are: Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan, Grenache, 'Hairy' Grenache, Merlot, Mourvèdre, Red Picapoll, Syrah and Tempranillo.
Wine styles
The main style of Montsant is powerful red wines, which can be similar to the wines of Priorat when they are made from old vine Grenache and Carignan.Production also includes white wines, rosé wines, sweet red wines and 'vi ranci' style wines made using a Solera system.
Kosher
DO Montsant has the distinction of being the only region in Catalonia (and one of only a handful) in Spain where Kosher wine is produced. There are two producers in the denomination, who have been producing their kosher wine with great success in a Kosher certified cellar within their main facilities.
