Celler de Capçanes, Mas Collet, DO Montsant, Spain, 2022

Producer Profile

Nestled between the rugged hills of the Catalan countryside, in the tiny village of the same name, is the well-respected Celler de Capçanes.

It was the wild Montsant landscape that first captivated Jürgen Wagner back in the early 1990s, but it was the huge potential he recognized in this unique village co-operative that determined what followed. Pouring all his efforts into working with the growers to nurture the best from their vineyards, Jurgen has since established Celler de Capçanes as one of the most engaging and outward-looking wineries in the area. A combination of diverse vineyard plots and old-vine Garnacha is captured and eloquently expressed in all their wines. Together with Jurgen, winemaker Anna Rovira conjures up complex and characterful wines that show how, thanks to a shared vision and concentration on quality, great wines need not be the exclusive preserve of prestigious single estates.

Viticulture

For the Mas Collet, they work mainly with Garnacha, but also with Samsó (Carinyena/ Cariñena), Tempranillo, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Pinot Noir, Macabeo and Garnacha Blanca vineyards scattered over sites on the hills that rise up around the village at altitudes ranging from around 250 to 550 metres.

Winemaking

Temperature controlled fermentation (26-29º). All varieties were vinified separately in stainless steel tanks. Maceration for 8-16 days. Ageing for 9 months in old oak then 6 months in tank before bottling.

Tasting Note

This has a medium deep red colour with flecks of violet and ripe cherry flavours and blueberries on the nose. Smooth well integrated oaky, toasty aromas. Medium bodied, fruit driven, fine ripe sweetness with good acidity which is perfectly balanced with the round ripe tannins culminating in a long ripe fruit driven finish.

Food Matching

Lamb, entrecote, game, pizza, pasta, stews, casseroles