2016 Joan d'Anguera Finca L'Argata Montsant DO Spain 750 ml

The jig is up. If you are a lover of Rhône wines, particularly the juicy reds of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, you owe it to your palate to explore Spain’s Montsant region. In comparison, the combination of quality, value, and character here is shocking—Wine Advocate called today’s 94-point Finca L’Argatà “an elegant, ripe, perfumed version of a Château Rayas.” For under $50?! We’re sorry, but like we said, we’re fired up. 

100% Grenache, grown from 40-60 year old vines, the 2016 Finca L’Argatà is deeply concentrated yet lifted by vibrant acidity and a saline mineral streak. There is a Burgundian, Pinot Noir-esque quality to its freshness and medium body. Its complexity, reminiscent of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, is mesmerizing, weaving together freshly tilled earth with spicy dried cherries and cranberries, licorice, savory olive, and a kiss of oak. In the words of Wine Advocate’s Luis Gutierrez, “It made me jump from my seat.” 

Feel free to remain calm and also seated as you’re reading this. It might be more appropriate to imagine a relaxing scene in Barcelona, at a cafe on the Ramblas, a plate of thinly sliced jamón ibérico in front of you, and next to it, this bottle. The nutty richness of the jamón would be perfectly complemented by the ripe fruit, savoriness, and mouthwatering acidity of the Finca L’Argatà. You might also get some preferential treatment from the proud Catalans for drinking an insider bottle, but no guarantees there. 

To get to Monsant and the little village of Darmós, where Joan D’Anguera is located, you would head southeast out of Barcelona, through the rugged hillsides of Catalonia. Surrounding Priorat like a donut, Monstant offers similar old-vine excellence, without the stratospheric price tags. Here, there is an almost constant breeze, which maintains vibrant acidity in the grapes, while abundant sunshine ensures that Grenache or Garnatxa is fully and beautifully ripened. 

In Darmós, the d’Anguera family have inhabited and farmed the same parcel of limestone-rich land since 1820. Seven generations of winemaking expertise have been passed down to current owners, Joan and Josep. In the ‘90s when the estate passed into their hands, the pair took that wisdom and went a step further, introducing biodynamic practices at every level of viticulture. They steered away from the screeching, overblown style that was typical of the region at the time, and after a visit to Château Rayas, set course for a balance of elegance and power. A few decades later they are being compared to the château that provided the spark to get them started. 

Luis Gutierrez finished his 94-point review of the 2016 Finca L’Argatà with a simple pronouncement, writing: “This is a superb Mediterranean Garnacha, a true revelation.” And indeed it is. If you are a red wine lover, and you haven’t locked in a case yet, now is the time.