Geography
DO Montsant is almost completely surrounding the DO of Priorat. There is a gap to the east. To the southeast lies the Serra de Montalt and to the northwest the Serra de Montsant.Climate
The climate is continental with Mediterranean influences. The DO is fairly sheltered from the elements.Average temperature: 33.8F-88F.
Average rainfall: Between 15-24 inches of rain annually.
Sunshine hours: Approximately 2,600 hours each year.
Hazards
Hail and frost.Soil
Poor, slatey soil throughout most of the vineyard areas. There are good amounts of lime and clay as well with higher concentrations of sandy and granite in the Falset sub-zone.Grapes
Whites - Chardonnay, Garnacha Blanca, Macabeo, Moscatel, Pansal, Parelleda.Reds - Cabernet Sauvignon, Mazuelo, Garnacha Tinta, Garnacha Peluda, Merlot, Monastrell, Picapoll Negra, Syrah, Tempranillo.
Wine Styles & Alcoholic Strength
There are a number of different styles of wines produced in Monstant. The most prevalent on the market are dry reds, whites and sweet reds as well.White (Min 11.5%)
Joven
Vino Dulce (Min 15%)
Rose (Min 12%)
Joven
Red (Min 12.5%)
Joven
Crianza
Reserva
Gran Reserva
Garnatxa (Min 15%)
Rancio (Min 15%)
Vino Dulce (Min 15%)
Aging Requirements
Crianza - Minimum 24 months of aging with a minimum of 6 months in oak.Reserva - Minimum 36 months of aging with a minimum of 12 months in oak.
Gran Reserva - Minimum 60 months of agnig with a minimum of 24 months in oak.
Yields
57 hl/ha.Viticulture
Vineyards are grown en vaso in the more traditional vineyards and trained on wires in more modern vineyards.Vineyard Altitude
Vineyards are planted at roughly 1,400 feet above sea level.Vineyard Area
Roughly 1,920 hectares (4,742 acres)Production
2006: Roughly 72,400 hectoliters (1,911,000 gallons)2007: Roughly 63,700 hectoliters (1,680,000 gallons)
2008: Roughly 57,600 hectoliters (1,520,000 gallons)
