Grab your suitcases and find the nearest Concord jet, we're heading east--way, way, all the way across "the pond" to Spain! I did mention this was a blog on Random Wine Trails, didn't I? I was in the mood for a dark, hearty red a couple of days ago and chose the Can Blau 2005 from my cellar to while away the evening.
Cellars Can Blau, 2005 Can Blau Montsant
Country of origin: Spain
Region: Priorato
Appellation: D.O. Montsant
Stats: A blend of syrah, garnacha (grenache), and carinena (carignan).
Cost: $19.99 (label still on bottle).
Appearance: Lovely deep, dark purple-red.
Aroma: Initial burst of bright cherries, blackberries, and plum followed by a vanilla and coconut finish.
Taste: Smooth and fruity initial burst. Good mid-palette with a lingering finish. Some minerality in the end. Soft tannins that made this wine a pleasure to drink.
The D. O. Montsant appellation (Denominations of Origin) has only been recognized since 2002, but has experienced tremendous growth with the original 28 wineries blossoming to more than 40. It is located in northeastern Spain, in the Catalonia province to the east of the city of Tarragona. An inland area, the climate is Mediterranean, but Montsant is surrounded by mountain ranges which also give it a bit of continental flavor that results in large day-night temperature variations. During the dry season, the humidity from the ocean brings much needed rain. The area is very hilly with three main soil types. The syrah in this wine was planted in chalky soils, the carinena in sandy clay, and the garnacha on llicorella slate.
For those that really pay attention to these kind of things, Robert Parker gave this wine 90 points.
Salute,
a Wine Student
