Franck Massard, El Brindis, 2020, Montsant (DO)

'One-Liner'
A plush, Mediterranean Montsant red with ripe berry fruit, warm spice and a smooth, generous finish.

Tasting Note
Deep ruby in the glass. The nose is full of ripe red and dark berry fruit, with white pepper, clove and a balsamic-herbal edge that feels distinctly Mediterranean. On the palate it is rounded and full, with juicy blackberry and raspberry fruit, soft spice and enough freshness to keep the richness in check. Broad, supple and very easy to enjoy.

Country: Spain
Region: Catalunya
Sub-Region: Montsant DO
Grape(s): 60% Cariñena, 40% Garnacha
ABV: 14.5%
Friendly: Vegan, Vegetarian

Awards & Critics' Scores
n/a

The Story
El Brindis is Franck Massard’s Montsant red, made from old-vine Cariñena and Garnacha grown at altitude on clay-limestone soils. Franck Massard, a former top sommelier turned winemaker, positions the wine as a way of capturing Montsant’s luscious fruit and texture while preserving the brightness and freshness that come from higher vineyard sites. The 2020 sees traditional fermentation in stainless steel, with a portion of the wine aged in used oak for around six months to round things out without burying the fruit.

Perfect With... (click me for the recipe)
- Meat/fish: Spanish-style lamb cutlets with rosemary, garlic and roast peppers

- Vegetarian: Mushroom and Thyme Tart

- Vegan: Tomato, lentil and rosemary stew with crusty bread