2017 Cellers Sant Rafel Montsant Joana

	small family business with biological methods
	beautiful garnacha dominance without oak maturation
	smooth and full at the same time; ideal winter wine
	delicious with spicy dishes, cheeses and baguettes

Tasting note Joana Montsant

Bright red in color and scented and fruity with a scent, with fresh red fruit and a mild spiciness. Full, sultry commitment and round and persistent taste, with beautiful fruit in the aftertaste.

Description

The small Montsant wine region, to the west of Tarragona, is one of the hidden treasures of Catalonia. During a large comparative tasting we were impressed by the traditional Cellers Sant Rafel, one of only sixty producers in this promising area.

The family business has been owned by Xavi and Pilar Peñas since 1996, both from the region. They renewed the vineyard and cellar and have been bottling the entire production since 2007. Xavi is a great winemaker and has years of experience at the exclusive Gran Clos in Priorat. Meanwhile, the winery produces completely organic on around 40 hectares of vineyard. But Xavi does not request an official bio-certificate, because of the too large paperwork for its relatively small production.

Joana is mainly made from the grape of this region: garnacha. The grapes ripen here long, until well into October, and reach a perfect ripeness. The addition of about 15% merlot ensures a full and smooth taste. The wine deliberately does not mature on oak and is similar in style to a good southern rhône.

From Mediterranean grapes such as garnacha (grenache) and carignan, beautiful, full-bodied red wines are made here.