Cellers De Capcanes 2020 Mas Collet 'Seleccio'

The Wine

A surprising and delicious blend of 40% Garnacha (aka Garnatxa, aka Grenache), Cabernet Sauvignon (30%) and Cariñena (30%). Although I'm never too surprised when Cabernet finds its way into an Old-World blend, ever since the success of the Super Tuscans inspired so many other regions to experiment with the traditional French varieties.

In the glass the wine shows a medium ruby color with violet highlights. The aromas bring memories of ripe cherry and blueberry, subtle aromas of oak and toast. On the palate this food-friendly wine shows medium-weight body dominated by fruit more than the earthiness and oak that typifies many of today's Spanish reds. The wine has good acidity and ripe, round tannins that are integrating nicely as the wine gains a bit more age.

Pairs well with roast leg of lamb with aromatic herbs, or lamb tagine. Try it with vegetables sautéed with wild mushrooms, risotto flavored with black truffle and parmesan or a caramelized onion tart with goat cheese.

The Winery

The Cellar de Capcanes is a grower-owned cooperative in Montsant, Spain, an area shaped like a donut, and in the center is the more prestigious DOP of Priorat, known for their big, powerful and painfully expensive versions of Garnatxa.

Located just South of Barcelona by a little more than an hour, Monsant has a long and rich agricultural history featuring a wide variety of produce. But when it comes to grapes, Grenache rules the roost in Montsant!

The winery is famous for its annual party called 'La Nit de las Garnatxa', or the “Night of the Grenaches”. And this being Spain, the party starts at midnight and continues to sunrise. Of course it does!