This region takes its name from the majestic Montsant escarpment, reached by a 45 minute drive inland from the city of Tarragona, a one-time capital of the Roman empire.  Once belonging to the D.O. Tarragona, the D.O. Montsant was founded in 2001 and comprises of over 5,000 acres of registered vineyards.  While it is considerably larger than its interior neighbor (Priorat has less than 4,000 acres), it does not share the distinct terroir of Priorat.  Montsant's soil type is a mixture of granitic sand, calcerous soil, large pebbles and shards of slate, which are found in varying amounts throughout the appellation. This wide diversity of soil types is reflected in the soil color which ranges from bright orange to snow white to earthy grey.

Montsant receives more annual sun exposure than Priorat, but shares its temperate Mediterranean climate with little rainfall.  Like Priorat, Montsant boasts many, if not more, of the low-yielding centennial vines that are so prized in both wine producing regions.

Short stats on Montsant:

Location: the Province of Tarragona, approximately 1.5 hours south of Barcelona
D.O. Montsant founded: 2001
Average age of vines in the region:
   55% of vines are >20 years old
   25% between 8-20 year old. 
   20% <7 years old
Planting/pruning system: Head pruned old vines and trellised younger vines. Planted in terraces, or scattered on very steep slopes.
Varieties:
   Whites: Macabeo and Garnacha Blanca,
   Reds: Cariñena, Garnacha, Garnacha peluda, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and
             Syrah.
Percent each type planted in Montsant: 90% red, 10% white
Hectares planted to vines: 2,035
Grape growers: 760
Wineries: 42 (data from 2007)
Average annual production: 9,000,000 kilos (bulk and bottled wine)
Commercialization: 40% of wine consumed within Spain, 60% exported