Josep Grau
Vespres Montsant – 2021
Region: Spain - Cataluña
Josep Grau
Josep Grau returned to the land where he was born in 2003 to embark on a new journey. His wines are not influenced by trends, opinion leaders’ tastes or fads. Instead, they strive to be authentic and deeply imbued with the essence: Grau is convinced that outstanding wines can be made with very little, avoiding artifice and respecting the natural language of the vineyard. Viticulture follows organic principles (certified in Spain), and is herbicide and pesticide free.
The Wine
Vineyard Profile
Small plots in the southern area of Montsant between Capçanes, Marçà and El Pla de Falset, D.O. Monstant.
- Altitude: 790 – 1210 feet
- Vine Age: 50 – 70 years
- Soils: Primarily Clay-Calcareous, some stony
- All vineyard work done by hand
- No chemical products used
Harvest Notes
- Hand harvested in August
- Destemmed and transferred to 3,200 liter cement tanks
- Fermentation in cement using only indigenous yeasts
- Aged 10 months in 2000 – 2500 liter Stockinger Austrian oak foudres
Winemaker's Notes
This field blend is a tribute to the growers of Cartoixa de Scala Dei, who planted these varieties over 1000 years ago. Generous in intensity and aromas of red fruit. Slight touches of berries and balsamic. Very Mediterranean character. Its silky texture, fresh acidity and elegant austerity offer a very cozy and seductive result.
Wine Summary
60% Grenache, 30% Carignan, 10% Syrah; alcohol: 14%; small plots in southern area of Montsant between Capçanes, Marçà and El Pla de Falset, D.O. Monstant between 790 – 1210 feet; mostly calcareous-clay soils with some stones; no chemicals used in vineyards; vines over 50 years; hand harvested with strict berry selection; fermented 2 months in concrete tanks using only indigenous yeasts; aged 10 months in 2000 – 2500L Austrian oak foudres, bottle aged a few months.
Technical Information
- 60% Grenache, 30% Carignan, 10% Syrah
- Alcohol: 14%
- Total Acidity: 4.9 g/l
- pH: 3.57
- Residual Sugar: 0.4 g/l
- Total SO2: 88 mg/l
Reviews
92 Points
Scented and tangy nose with some minerals, grapefruit, mussels and spiced berries. Medium to full body on the palate with firm, dusty tannins that give it a tight grip at the end. Drink or hold.
jamessuckling.com, May, 2023
91 Points
This ruby colored Grenache based wine opens with a stewed black plum bouquet with hints of black raspberry and slight prune. On the palate, this wine is medium bodied with integrate medium to medium plus acidity. The mouthfeel has a very nice silky feel to it. It is also balanced and fresh. The flavor profile is gentle blackberry and stone dust blend with notes of light black plum tea. I also detected hints of black pepper and a touch of black licorice. The finish is dry and its flavors and very refined tannins drift away nicely. I would pair this were quaffable wine with a wild pheasant in mushrooms and wine sauce.
Ken's Wine Guide, July, 2024
General Info
| COUNTRY | Spain |
| REGION | Cataluña |
| APPELLATION | D.O. Montsant |
| PROPRIETORS | Josep Grau |
| FOUNDED | 2003 |
| WINEMAKER | Josep Grau |
| ANNUAL PRODUCTION | 8,333 9L cases |
| FARMING (SUSTAINABLE, ORGANIC, BIODYNAMIC) | Farmed using organic principles, herbiside and pesticide free |