In the high elevation, horseshoe-shaped Montsant mountains that surround and overlook the famous appellation of Priorat lies a separate appellation that only received DO status from the Spanish government in 2000. Since that time, the promising Montsant appellation has grown from 28 to 57 wineries. The windswept vineyards, overlooking the Mediterranean in the far distance, offer ample concentration of flavor with tantalizing freshness. Capable of producing generous yet refreshing examples of Southern Rhone varietals, the Montsant appellation delivers a sensory experience akin to Châteauneuf-du-Pape with more freshness and balance. Today’s example is derived from Antoine Touton’s predominantly older vines rooted in some of the highest elevation parcels in Montsant and farmed with organic and biodynamic methods, creating a wine teeming with life, energy and the pristine fruit that goes along with it.

 

Before Galicia-born Fredi Torres began crafting these wines in the appellation of Montsant, he was a well-known DJ in the European house music scene. Charmed by the vine, he studied viticulture and winemaking in Switzerland then worked in Switzerland, Burgundy, Argentina and South Africa before the lure of Iberia pulled him back to his home roots. He then worked in Priorat at the lauded Clos Mogador and founded Saó del Coster before he came to be enchanted with Antoine Touton’s high elevation, windswept vineyards in Montsant overlooking the vineyards he had previously worked below. Derived from five hectares of older vines, Fredi farms these parcels organically with biodynamic principles, which delivers an unrivaled purity to the fruit that is thriving with life and energy. A non-interventionist in the cellar, Fredi crafts this blend of 75% Grenache, 20% Carignan and 5% mixed whites with only natural yeasts. With very little sulfur upon bottling, this wine is finished without fining or filtration. This is definitely a wine to buy by the case, which can easily be a guilt-free endeavor at this price point.