Josep Grau
Vespres Montsant – 2023
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 D.O. Montsant between Capçanes, Marçà and El Pla de Falset, D.O. Monstant.
- Altitude: 790–1210 feet
- Vine Age: 50–70 years
- Soil: Primarily clay-Calcareous, some stony
- All vineyard work done by hand
- Farmed using organic principles, no chemical products used
Harvest Notes
- Hand harvested in August
- Destemmed and transferred to 5,200 liter cement tanks
- Fermentation in cement using only indigenous yeasts
- Aged 10 months, 50% in 2000–2500 liter Stockinger Austrian oak foudres; 50% in cement tanks
Winemaker's Notes
Medium ruby red. Ripe raspberries, minerals, red cherries with some blueberries, herbs, wet stones and fine chocolate. On the palate the wine is finely silky, rich in finesse, medium acidity+, medium-strong body+; very balanced and harmonious. Elegance with a finely salty-mineral, complex, fruitiness, a touch of sweetness, minerals, and stony memories. A long and fine finish.
Wine Summary
70% Grenache, 20% Carignan, 10% Syrah; alcohol: 14%; small plots in southern area of Montsant between Capçanes, Marçà and El Pla de Falset between 790–1210 feet; mostly calcareous-clay soils with some stones; no chemicals used in vineyards; vines 50-70 years old; hand harvested with strict berry selection; fermented in concrete tanks using only indigenous yeasts; aged 10 months, 50% in 2000–2500L Austrian oak foudres, 50% in concrete tanks.
Technical Information
- 70% Grenache, 20% Carignan, 10% Syrah
- Alcohol: 14%
Reviews
92 Points
The red 2023 Vespres was produced with a blend of Garnacha and Cariñena (with a touch of Syrah) from different vineyards and soils. It fermented in 5,200-liter raw concrete vats with indigenous yeasts, and 50% of the wine matured in 2,000-liter oak foudres for nine months and the other half was kept in concrete. This is the most straightforward of the reds, fruit-driven, with notes of red berry fruit, a juicy and tasty palate and fine tannins. There’s a faint spicy twist and a velvety sensation on the palate. It has good ripeness, 14.24% alcohol, a pH of 3.5 and 5.2 grams of acidity. It’s approachable and very pleasant. It opened up in the glass and developed added freshness, reminiscent of freshly cut grass. 18,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in May 2025.
© Wine Advocate, May, 2026
92 Points
The 2023 Vespres from Montsant is a blend of 80% Garnatxa Tinta, 10% Cariñena and 10% Syrah. It delivers herbal and black fruit notes with a balsamic touch. The palate offers volume, grip and defined flavor. Juicy and firm. 2025 – 2038
Vinous, November, 2025
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 |