Why it matters
The producer
Carignan sits at the centre of Celler Masroig's work. The producer treats it as the foundation of its wines, alongside red Grenache, another native grape of the territory. Celler Masroig combines its original character with contemporary knowledge and innovation.
It encompasses approximately 500 hectares of vineyards, all under DO Montsant. The grape varieties include Carignan, red Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Tempranillo. The range therefore includes native grapes alongside international varieties, with Carignan retaining the leading role.
Place and vineyards
Where the wines begin
The winery is located in El Masroig, a town in the Priorat region where most families live from agriculture. Vineyards and olive trees are the principal crops in the area.
DO Montsant is the appellation under which Celler Masroig's vineyards fall. Carignan and Grenache are native and prominent in the territory, giving the local wine landscape a clear connection to these two grapes.
In the cellar
Vineyards and cellar
The reported harvest is 2.5 million kilograms. Carignan and red Grenache are grown alongside Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Tempranillo.
Les Sorts Vinyes Velles uses grapes selected from old Carignan and Grenache vineyards, harvested into 15 kilogram boxes. Malolactic fermentation takes place in barrel, converting sharper malic acid into softer lactic acid, followed by 17 months in new French oak and at least 12 months in bottle.
Wines to know
The range in view
Les Sorts Vinyes Velles is the old vine red, made from Carignan and Grenache. Les Sorts Blanc is the white wine, with the 2024 bottling made entirely from white Grenache.
Les Sorts Selecció 2023 combines Carignan, Grenache and Syrah and ages for about 9 months in French oak barrels of varying ages. Serra Catalana is a sibling of Les Sorts, made in the same cellar from grapes grown in the same mountain area. The 2021 bottling combines 33% Carignan, 33% Grenache and 34% Merlot, followed by 6 months in previously used French oak barrels.
A useful way in
A bottle to begin with
Choose Les Sorts Vinyes Velles 2022. It is made from 90% Carignan and 10% Grenache, with fruit selected from the producer's old vineyards. The grapes are harvested into 15 kilogram boxes, undergo malolactic fermentation in barrel, then receive new French oak and bottle ageing.