Cellars Can Blau Kia 2009

Cellars Can Blau
Kia 2009
Montsant DO, Spain
$16-18 +43109 available at BC Liquor Stores and select private liquor retailers
www.orowines.com

If you’ve ever bought a home, you’ve certainly practiced the mantra “Location, location, location.” It’s as true in real estate as it is in vineyards – it’s all about the location. It’s true that some suburbs and some vineyards are exceptionally pricy – sometimes undeservedly so. And it’s also true that often just outside the boundary lines for Pleasantville lies some incredible value buys. Think of the Montsant DO as just outside the limits for Pleasantville – or in this case, the iconic Priorat.

An official DO since 2001, Montsant has long been regarded by those in the know as Priorat-styled wines for half the price. In fact, Montsant DO almost completely surrounds Priorat, like a horseshoe. Ancient granite and slate mountainside subsoils anchor vines interspersed amongst forests and olive groves. This fringe Priorat area has come into its own in the last few years, showing the same striking mineral rich fruit, but in a more accessible package (and a much more accessible price).

Cellars Can Blau is a charter member of OROWINES,  a group of 7 small wineries across 7 DO’s, banded together to preserve local grapes and traditions and share the marketing of these principles worldwide. Cellar Can Blau Kia 2009 is a blend of Cariñena (aka Carignan), Syrah and Garnacha (aka Grenache). This is old school Spain meets new world palate. Juicy dark berry fruit, floral spice, dusty bittersweet chocolate, a lick of vanilla and soft, plushy tannins make this ideal to drink tonight – preferably with roasted pork loin or sausages. Great value here.

88 Points

*January DRINKs will focus on budget-friendly selections, all ringing in under $17.