Montsant
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Montsant Denominació d’Origen (DO) is located in the south of the province of Tarragona (Catalonia, Spain) and covers 12 municipalities. It only acquired its official status in 2003 though before that it was known as the Falset subzone of Tarragona (DO). It takes its name from the Montsant mountain in the area. There are currently about 1,800 ha under vines registered.
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[edit] Geography
Montsant DO almost completely surrounds the more famous Priorat (DOQ). The vineyards extend along the mountainsides among olives groves, forests and rocky outcrops.
[edit] Soils
The soils are lime bearing over a granite and slate subsoil. The vineyards are at a height of about 360 m above sea level, though the altitude tends to increase towards the Serra de Montalt in the southwest and towards the Serra de Montsant in the northwest.
[edit] 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.
[edit] Grape Varieties
The authorised white varieties are: Chardonnay, Garnacha, Macabeo, Moscatel, Pansal, Parellada and Trobat. The authorised red varieties are: Cabernet Sauvignon, Mazuela, Garnacha n, Garnacha Peluda, Merlot, Monastrell, Picapoll n, Syrah and Tempranillo
