2017 Cal Besso "la Prunera" Montsant

Staff Reviews

SB

Scott Beckerley

Scott Beckerley

A fine companion wine to the "Lo Cirerer", the "La Prunera" has a black fruited nose with dark plum, dried prune and toasted oak. On the palate, more of an "old school" style with earth, oak, tobacco and rich dark fruits. More plum and prune. Yes, I know that what it's called but, these actually are the scents and flavors. Prune in a good way. Not pruney or raisiny. More of a figgy type of prune, if that makes any sense at all. Well, there it is. I've done my best.

Notes

Cal Besso is the relatively new Montsant project from the Castellví Figuerola family, who own and run Celler de l’Encastell in Priorat and a local grape grower, Jaume Valles. It is based around the village of Els Guiamets, which is located less than 10 miles South of the heart of Priorat. Cal Besso is the name of the family’s home and it is where their cellar is located. In their corner of Montsant the terrain is not as dramatic as in Priorat, with more rolling hills which make agriculture significantly easier. The soil in their vineyards is predominantly calcareous but there is some granite and slate (llicorella). The proximity not only to the sea but the Ebro River and the Mountain ranges of Montsant, Montalt, and Llaberia help mitigate the warm Mediterranean climate. The winemaking is done simply, there is just enough done to not interfere with the expression of the fruit and the vineyards. The wines are aged in stainless steel, French oak, American oak, and Acacia barrels. The family's historic business in the region was growing cherries and plums, to which they pay homage with their wine names.