2003 Celler el Masroig Masroig

Montsant, Spain

Celler el Masroig Masroig is a gorgeous old-vines red wine from the Montsant region of northeast Spain. The Montsant region received DO status in 2001 and lies west of Barcelona bordering on the north of Priorat. 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. The winemaker is the young and dynamic Carles Escolar, who strongly believes in the potential of the Montsant appellation. Jay Miller of Wine Advocate praised the winery in April 2008: “Celler El Masroig, located in the up-and-coming region of Montsant, is a role model for how a cooperative ought to function. The winery keeps only the best grapes and sells off the rest to other producers, some of whom are quite well known. The wines are very fairly priced and offer an excellent price to quality ratio from the top to the bottom of the portfolio." Steven Tanzer rated this wine 90 points and we consider it a true Spanish red wine gem!

Celler el Masroig Masroig is a blend of old-vines Carignan (75%) and Grenache (15%) from 80-year-old vines and Cabernet Sauvignon (10%) from 30-year-old vines. Full-bodied with a deep ruby color, the wine offers rich aromas of cherries, plums and black currants with notes of spicy oak. On the palate it is velvety smooth, juicy and complex with flavors of red berries, chocolate, mint and oak. Aged for 14 months in new French oak barrels, it delivers a long, elegant finish.

Enjoy Celler el Masroig Masroig over the next 7-8 years with roast pork, venison, paella and aged cheeses.