Friday Sips

It has been a while but the anticipation is over! Albert Jane's Acustic Celler Montsant wines have made their way back to Portland! Join us today to sample 2 reds, a white and rose from one of Spain's dynamic young producers that represent excellent price/quality rapport.

Acustic Celler is the project of the Cellar Door's excellent friend, the self-proclaimed #1 Super Catalan-Man Albert Jané. Albert is a wine-media darling and Acustic's Montsants have received plenty of top awards since the first vintage but more importantly, when these wines have been available to us, all of you wine consumers have taken a real liking to them.

Located on slopes surrounding Priorat about 2 hours south of Barcelona, Montsant has been making quite a splash not only in Spain but also throughout the world. As a region, Monsant has its own distinction and terroir that vastly differs from that of its more famous, higher-elevated neighbor Priorat. Ever since the region was elevated to D.O. status in 2001, the quality has become increasingly stronger in subsequent vintages.

70% Carignan, 30% Grenache, this hearty, aromatic number is from Albert's young vines which average 45 years in age and I love the fact that anything over 45 can be considered young. Pronounced Mediterranean herbs and spices dance around permeating blackberry, violet and wind-swept minerality. Strong varietal character with harmonious, but solid, concentrated fruit. Impressive spiciness presents itself on the full, pleasantly structured, yet agile finish. Very attractive now but can age for 5-7 years and is a terrific match with grilled pork loin or slow roasted beef done with tomatoes.

Brao, meaning courage, strength or valor in the Catalan language, is Albert’s top wine and its namesake is very appropriate for this wine. These are the oldest vines of the vineyard, 75-85 years old, and like the classic Montsant, the blend is 70% Carignan and 30% Grenache. The upscale components let you know this Montsant will give the snobby neighbors in Priorat a big run for the money. In fact, if this were a Priorat and of this magnitude, the price would be easily be tripled!

Creamy, crushed raspberry, plum, cinnamon, mineral and jasmine. More pipe-tobacco creeps as the wine breathes. Velvety, layered and possessing almost balsamic-like aspects followed by overflowing cracked pepper rolls with the fruit that carries impeccably from front to back. Very vinous and long on the finish. Simply put, this is meditative stuff! So much stuffing and smoothness here allow for nice early access but for best results drink this 2017 – 2025.

Albert’s Rose is not of the easy-sipping, porch-quaffing ilk however, if you want to toss it back and party down it is perfectly acceptable to do so. This very individual rose is extremely food-friendly and does not have to be drunk solely for the summer months because it is quite resolute in its profile.

40% Grenache Noir, 40% Carignan & 10% Grenache Gris, there is mass complexity to this mouth-filling pink wine. Teeming with classic raspberry and strawberry scents there is also a fine underlay of spice, herbs and rose petal character. Prominent Mediterranean flavors that are broad and beguiling with spice and finely woven-in briskness, especially on the savory finish. Try this rather substantial rose over the next 2-3 years with grilled tuna; pan seared sea bass, something with Romesco sauce or white meats.

Along with the above-mentioned Rose, this is the first time we have offered the Acustic white Montsant. When I sampled it upon its arrival, I knew we just had to pour it for you all on a Friday! Think white Chateauneuf-du-Pape or white Bandol with this full-flavored white wine that definitely shows its old vine prowess and delivers a hell of a lot for not a ton of money.

Loaded with character, flavor and impact this real deal Mediterranean blend of 60% Grenache Blanc, 25% Macabeu, 10% Grenache Gris and 5% Pansal is all about generosity and kindness and all together is the perfect assemblage for prosperity in any white wine drinking relationship. Intense aromas and flavors of melon, quince, ginger, acacia, white peach and mineral follow through to a texture that is expansive, diverse and with cool fruit that is seemingly suspended on a tight wire with burst. The finish here is lively, refreshing and quite complex with all components and aspects melding together making this wine ideal for richer seafood like halibut, lobster or scallops. Along with the Rose, it will create happiness at any paella party.