Medium ruby color; cherry, strawberry, redcurrant, cranberry, raspberry, blackberry, thyme, oak, spice on the nose and palate.
Dry; chewy tannins with balancing acidity. Benefits and smooths out with air exposure; aggressively swirl or decant. Medium body. Blend of 40% carignan (cariñena), 40% syrah, 20% grenache (garnacha). The vines have an average age of 40 years. Carignan grows in sandy, clay soil; syrah in limestone; garnacha (grenache) in slate and limestone. Manual harvest. Grapes vinified separately; maceration and fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel for 20 days. Aged at least a year in new French oak barrels. 14.5% ABV
Cellers Can Blau is one of 11 wineries that are part of Gil Family Estates. The Gil family founded the Cellers Can Blau operation in Montsant in 2003. Montsant is in the province of Tarragona (Catalonia, Spain) and encompasses 12 municipalities. The Montsant DO almost completely surrounds the more famous Priorat DOQ, but is not part of Priorat. The vineyards enjoy a Mediterranean climate with continental influences. Montsant is noted for its powerful red wines, particularly made with grenacha and carignan. This wine easily fits that general description.
Cellers Can Blau “Can Blau” Red Blend, Montsant DO 2020 is a muscular red blend led by carignan and syrah. No shrinking violet, this is built for bold drinkers and bold fare. Montsant is adjacent to Priorat and certainly upholds the big red wine tradition. The vineyards are part of the Familia Gil, a massive and talented influence in the region. Tasty and substantial; decanting strongly recommended. Pair with beef—grilled, roasted; smoky meats; beef stew; pork, sausage; lamb; pasta dishes with meat and red sauces; chicken in rich, assertive sauces; comfort food—mac & cheese, meatloaf, meat lover pizza, burgers. Cheese—gouda, aged gouda, parmesan, young manchego. $14-17
Viñas Familia Gil Family Estates website
The Familia Gil website does not offer useable photos of the Cellers Can Blau operation.