Montsant Wine Region

The Monstant wine appellation is one of the recent Denominación de Origen Protegida formed in 2001 after being separated from the Tarragona region. The Monstant wine appellation is the sub-region of the Catalonia region in the northern part of Spain. After more than 20 years in the market, the Monstant wines have built a reputation and are great value for money wines when compared to much larger Priorat wines. Although the region produces red, white, rose, fortified, and Kosher wines, the Monstant is renowned for its red wines made from Grenache that stand head to head with mighty Penedes wines. 

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Where is the Montsant wine region?

Monstant wine appellation is located in northern Spain in Catalonia. Montsant is located around 50 miles inland from Tarragona to the northwest and approximately 110 miles west of Barcelona. The Monstant region nearly completes a full round around Priorat creating a “C” shape. The region is bordered by Ribera D’Ebre from the west. The Monstant region covers 17 villages and 12 municipalities in the province of Tarragona. 

History of the Montsant wine region

The viticulture and winemaking in the Monstant region date back to Roman times. The famous writer, Pliny, has also admired the wines from Monstant calling them “ some of the best wine in the Empire”. The wines from Monstant were popular and were also exported to the Roman capitals and neighboring areas. The Monstant wine appellation was a part of the Tarragona wine region until 2000 and in 2001, the Monstant was officially granted DOP status. The region is mountainously producing unique wines than its much larger Tarragona region, this is why the Monstant wine appellation decided to become a separate DOP.

The terroir and geography of the Montsant wine region

The terrain of the Monstant wine appellation is diverse with tiny flat plains on the Falset and Marca and high altitude area of La Figuera. The altitude of vineyards ranges from 200-700 meters above sea level and which best vineyards are located on steeply sloping hillsides. The soils contain chalk, clay, granite, sand, and slate or its combination. The region is blessed with a Mediterranean climate with continental influences. The summers are hot and arid while winters are cold. The annual rainfall is approximately 650mm. The strong Mediterranean sun exposure during the day and cold temperature during the night help grape to mature evenly and late. 

Popular grape varieties from the Montsant wine region

The Garnacha dominates the Monstant wine region with 22% of the total production. The second popular red grape variety is Carignan and followed by other varietals mentioned below. The Monstant region also produces white wines but is less renowned than the red wines. 

Red Varietals: Garnatxa Negra, Carinyena, Ull de llebre, Syrah, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon.

White Varietals: Garnatxa Blanca, Macabeu / Viura, Chardonnay, Moscatell d’Alexandria, and Xarel·lo.

Food to pair with Montsant wine 

Poulet Basquaise

Poulet Basquaise is Basque chicken flavored with French and Mediterranean flavors. The dish is a popular stew in French gastronomy that blends authentic French ingredients and the traditional cooking process. The central component of Poulet Basquaise is chicken, generally with bones as in legs or thighs, and seasoned with Espelette, a native French pepper. The recipe also includes Bayonne ham, which is an air-dried salty ham with a smokey flavor. The basque-style sauce, composed of tomatoes, onions, and red and green peppers, gives the meal a Basque flavor. Poulet Basquaise may be available in most restaurants and is popular in French families, where it is typically served with aromatic rice. Savor this amazing dish with wines from Monstant. 

Paella

Paella, one of Spain's most popular cuisines, is a one-pot meal made with saffron-flavored rice. Extra ingredients such as meat, fish, or vegetables may be utilized. According to folklore, paella originated in Valencia and was made with seasonal vegetables, fowl, rabbit, and occasionally snails. Paella is currently the name given to the majority of rice dishes in Spain. Traditionally, the meal is presented in a tiny pan that may also be used to cook in.

Because paella is cooked in a large and shallow pan, it has a crispy bottom layer of caramelized rice known as socorrat. The meal differs for each restaurant since authentic versions require more time and skill. Paella goes well with white Monstant wines.

Civet de Canard

Civet de canard is a classic French duck stew prepared with duck legs and breasts, bacon, flour, shallots, garlic, red wine, balsamic vinegar, stock, carrots, bay leaves, and thyme, among other ingredients. First, duck pieces are floured and fried before other ingredients are added to make a sauce. The dish is cooked until the meat and carrots are soft. Civet de Canard is typically accompanied by wide beans, mashed potatoes, or roasted parsnips. This dish is widely popular and goes perfectly with wines from Monstant. 

Places to visit in the Montsant wine region

Castell de Falset Museu Comarcal

The Castell de Falset Museu Comarcal embraces the historical and cultural heritage of the Monstant and surrounding regions in a unique and pleasant manner. The museum has only been open since 2018, and each chamber is themed after the exhibit materials with a backstory. The museum is located in the Castle of Falset and is supported by the Falset Town Council and the Falset Institute of Culture and Heritage.

Montsant Natural Park

The Monstant Natural Park, located in the northwestern Priorat area, covers around 22,837 acres and offers panoramic views of the picturesque countryside. The park is located at a high elevation, containing the highest peak in Tarragona, Roca Corbatera, which is 1163 meters above sea level. The rounded abrupt relief, which is a calcareous massif, is the park's main feature. The Monstant River runs through the park's northern section. The park has wide wildlife, including several very rare species found exclusively in Catalonia. The park is also densely forested, with landmark trees like the Teix de la Cova and the Sabuco de Fontalba. The park is also well-known for day activities like hiking, climbing, caving, and picnicking. 

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Frequently asked questions about Montsant