Why it matters
The producer
Celler Gritelles works across 4 hectares of vineyard in Cornudella de Montsant, Tarragona. Its wines belong to DO Montsant and use Macabeo, red Grenache and Carignan. The holding is small enough for vineyard differences to remain central to the range.
Celler Gritelles was founded in 2017. Xavier Estivill manages the winery and Blai Estivill makes the wines, while oenology is handled within the same team. The project combines ancient traditions with scientific and technological knowledge.
Place and vineyards
Where the wines begin
Hot, dry days and cool nights shape the vineyard climate around Cornudella de Montsant. Warm conditions help grapes ripen, while cooler nights can help preserve acidity. The DO Montsant range includes Macabeo, red Grenache and Carignan.
Clay, limestone, slate and pebbles appear across the northern Priorat vineyard area. These materials differ in water retention, drainage and heat, so they can alter ripening and the feel of a wine. Celler Gritelles links this soil diversity to specific features in each vineyard and differences between wines.
In the cellar
Vineyards and cellar
Carignan is hand harvested between mid September and early October. Its fermentations take place without added sulfites, using native yeasts present on the skins of the grapes.
For Manou Gritelles 2022, alcoholic fermentation with skins lasts 18 to 24 days. The wine then receives 3 months in oak and 6 to 8 months in stainless steel.
Wines to know
The range in view
The range includes young white and red wines, aged red and white wines, and an aged rosé. Manou Gritelles 2022 is a red Montsant wine, while Vedrenyes Gritelles 2021 is a white Montsant wine. The bottles span red, white and rosé styles across both youthful and aged categories.
Manou Gritelles 2022 is cherry red with purple reflections and red berry aromas. It is smooth and silky on the palate, with refreshing acidity and a soft, pleasant finish carrying a gentle touch of sweetness.