Honesty in wine
"Be most honest" Marta from Josep Grau Victicultor shares with us on their perspective on wines. It's something that isn't often said, but is a claim many quietly try to make with their wines. This is something different and their attempt at accountability is evident.
As part of a media sponsored trip to DO Montsant, I was able to see, taste, and experience what this region truly had to offer. During that time, I talked to many winemakers or their surrogates and learned what the people and land had to offer.
The Josep Grau story is one we heard more times than I can count. A story torn of living in the big city (Barcelona), but longing for the rural life. The big city was an imposed existence for many after the war. Josep writes on his blog within his website about his return to rural community, "This area is inhabited by stubborn people. Obviously I stayed."
The DO Montsant and other areas are inhabited by stubborn people. People who knew this area was rich with wine and history. People who knew that through hard work the wine would be recognized. People who knew eventually the efforts would be recognized.
Josep Grau Viticultor is a family project in Marçà within DO Montsant. The soil is mostly clay and chalk. Currently, 70% of their production is exported. All work is done by hand with a focus on organic winemaking practices. The main varieties grown are White “Garnacha”, Red “Garnacha”, Cinsault, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. The goal is to have the land speak for itself and that's evident in the wines we sampled. But, don't take my word for, listen to Marta in the video below describe the wines we sampled and what to expect from Josep Grau.
