June 2016 Imported Wine: 2014 Celler el Masroig, Vi Novell Red Blend, El Masroig/Marca/Els Guiamets, Spain
Fine Wine Source Wine Club
June 2016
Celler el Masroig: Celler el Masroig is situated in the southern part of Montsant, bordering on Priorat. Montsant, which became a DO in 2001, extends from the banks of the Siurana River to the Montsant hilltops. The soil is mainly chalky, with some areas of clay and schist, all with high mineral content and low yields. It is located on the border of the Mediterranean, the summers and winters are dry while the springs and falls are moist. Celler el Masroig was founded in 1917 as the “Cooperativa of El Masroig.” It is an association of grape and olive oil producers with approximately 300 members who are associated owners of the company. In the early years of the “Cooperativa,” the focus was on producing quantities of wine rather than quality wine. They produced wines with high alcohol content and very deep color that were sold to the domestic market and often used to “improve” other wines. Then followed a period in which the major products were “mistelas” or cordials made from red wine and grape spirit. Today, the “Cooperativa’s” members are proprietors of almost 500 hectares of vineyards. They take their grapes to the Cooperative, where the wine is elaborated for them. Despite its 80 years heritage, the “Cooperativa el Masroig” today, strives to continually improve methods of production and the quality of the wines, while maintaining and enhancing their traditional identity.
About: The winemaker Carles Escolar, is young and dynamic and strongly believes in the potential of the Montsant appellation; consequently, his aim is to produce top wines from Montsant and raise the quality benchmark for the area. Vi Novell means “New Wine” in Catalan. This wine is traditionally released on November 11 to celebrate ‘San Marti’ or Saint Martin. In the 4th Century, San Marti was a soldier and on a snowy and cold night he gave half of his cloak to a beggar to save him from the cold. The following night he had a vision of Christ wearing the half of the cloak he had given away to the beggar. Christ then told the angels who accompanied him that it was “Saint Martin the non baptized soldier who clothed him.” After this vision San Marti became a Christian and created the first monastery in Western Europe (Loire region of France) and became a monk. Vi Novell is a blend of Grenache and Carignan with 15% Syrah produced with carbonic and traditional fermentation over five days and pressed. It is made using indigenous yeast. The alcoholic fermentation was finished off without the skins in underground tanks.
It is vinified and bottled almost immediately to be released on the 11th of November every year.
Varietal: Grenache and Carignan blended with 15% Syrah from 16-26 year old vines.
Alcohol: 14%
Tasting Notes: Light ruby in color leads to a nose of fresh strawberries and raspberries with notes of violets and bananas; earthy with typical Mediterranean aromas. Fresh and fruity on the palate with hints of cacao and bold tannins, finishes light and well balance with good fruit and acidity.
Food Pairings: St. Martin’s Day in Spain is marked by the slaughter of fattened pigs, so think pork! Grilled meats, bacon wrapped chicken (bacon wrapped anything really), or dishes with “the other white meat.”
Jim Lutfy’s Thoughts: Long and deep on the palate with a lingering finish; great with oily fish or chicken!