In the rugged hills of Catalonia’s Montsant DO, Acústic Celler stands as a paragon of authenticity and terroir expression. This region, characterized by its Mediterranean climate, steep slopes, and ancient viticultural history, provides an ideal setting for producing wines of distinction. Montsant, surrounding the prestigious Priorat, shares similar llicorella soils but often offers more affordable, yet equally expressive, wines. Its diverse microclimates and varied topography create a mosaic of terroirs that Albert Jané skillfully harnesses in his winemaking.
History of the Winery
Albert Jané established Acústic Celler in 2003 after moving from his family’s established winery, Jané Ventura, in Penedès. Jané Ventura, founded in 1914, is renowned for its traditional Cava production and its emphasis on indigenous grape varieties. Growing up amidst the vineyards of Penedès, Albert developed a profound respect for sustainable agriculture and non-interventionist winemaking. Recognizing the untapped potential of Montsant, a region that had only recently been recognized as distinct from neighboring Priorat, Jané sought to preserve the area’s old vines and traditional viticultural practices. From its inception, Acústic Celler focused on small, old-vine parcels spread across Montsant’s diverse subzones. Over time, Jané has maintained a consistent philosophy: to produce wines that are ‘acoustic’ rather than ‘electric,’ emphasizing natural expression over technological intervention. The winery’s name embodies this ethos.
Acústic Celler
Address: Ctra. de Poboleda 5 | 43360 Els Guiamets | Tarragona | Catalonia | Spain
+34 977 07 35 14
info@acusticceller.com | www.acusticceller.com
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The People
Albert Jané remains the driving force behind Acústic Celler. Raised in a family of winemakers, Jané combines deep viticultural knowledge with a modern understanding of sustainable practices. His team includes experienced viticulturists such as Jordi Prats, who specializes in organic vineyard management, and cellar master Marta Borrell, known for her expertise in native yeast fermentations. Together, they lead a compact team of viticulturists and cellar workers who focus on vineyard-specific management. Their approach prioritizes biodiversity, dry farming, and non-invasive techniques to maintain the character of each vineyard site.
The Soils and Vineyards of Montsant
Montsant is geologically complex, and Acústic Celler’s vineyard holdings are reflective of this diversity. The region’s geological history encompasses ancient seabeds, volcanic activity, and erosion, resulting in a patchwork of soil types that significantly influence wine styles. The vineyards are located across several villages, including Els Guiamets, Capçanes, La Figuera, and Cornudella de Montsant, each contributing distinct characteristics to the wines.
Calcareous Soils
In northern Montsant, calcareous (limestone and clay) soils dominate. Formed from ancient marine deposits, these soils retain moisture effectively, allowing vines to maintain balanced growth during the dry summer months. Wines from these parcels, particularly Garnacha Blanca, exhibit high acidity and distinct mineral notes, contributing to a structured, elegant profile. The calcium-rich soils impart a distinctive chalky texture and contribute to the wine’s longevity.
Granite and Sandy Soils
La Figuera’s vineyards feature granite and sandy soils that drain well and limit vine vigor. This stress results in lower yields and increased aromatic intensity. Garnatxa Negra grown in these soils tends to be floral and aromatic, with refined tannins and a lighter body. The granite soils, formed from weathered crystalline rock, lend the wines a subtle saline quality and crisp acidity.
Slate (Llicorella)
Slate soils, or llicorella, common in Priorat, are also found near Cornudella de Montsant. These soils, nutrient-poor and highly draining, force vines to root deeply. Resultant wines, particularly from Carinyena, are mineral-driven with firm tannins and dark fruit character. The dark, heat-retaining slate contributes to accelerated ripening and profound concentration in the wines.
Alluvial and Pebbly Soils
In Capçanes, alluvial terraces composed of stones and pebbles facilitate heat retention and ripening. These soils are favorable for Syrah and Garnatxa, producing wines with fuller body and darker fruit profiles due to enhanced ripening and tannin development. The alluvial deposits, remnants of ancient riverbeds, provide excellent drainage and prevent vine diseases associated with waterlogged soils.
Notable Vineyards
Acústic Celler farms over 40 hectares of old vines, primarily Garnatxa and Carinyena, many exceeding 60 years in age. Key vineyard sites include:
Els Guiamets: Limestone-rich soils supporting Garnatxa Blanca production, where careful canopy management maximizes sunlight exposure.
Capçanes: Warmer, stony soils yielding ripe Syrah and Garnatxa, often harvested slightly earlier to retain acidity.
La Figuera: Granite-rich, high-altitude sites producing structured reds with pronounced aromatic complexity.
Cornudella de Montsant: Steep, slate-covered slopes for concentrated Carinyena, with vine training techniques adapted to prevent erosion.
Wine Portfolio
Acústic Celler maintains a concise portfolio focused on reflecting vineyard and varietal expression. Winemaking is minimalist: wild fermentations, limited sulfur usage, and aging in neutral oak barrels and foudres are standard practices. Wines are bottled unfined and unfiltered to preserve textural and aromatic integrity.
Acústic Tinto
A blend of old-vine Garnatxa (70%) and Carinyena (30%), sourced from multiple vineyard parcels. This wine is fermented with native yeasts and aged 10 months in used French oak barrels. It features red plum, Mediterranean herbs, and earthy undertones, balanced by freshness and texture. Production averages 40,000 bottles annually, and the wine has consistently received accolades from critics, including Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate.
Braó
Crafted from very old vines, Braó combines Carinyena and Garnatxa for a deeper, more structured red. Macerated for extended periods and aged 12-14 months in 300-liter barrels, Braó exhibits dense fruit, minerality, and aging potential. Approximately 10,000 bottles are produced annually, and Braó has been recognized in international competitions such as the Decanter World Wine Awards.
Auditori
This limited-production wine is made from 100% Garnatxa, sourced from high-altitude, old-vine parcels. Aged in large foudres and seasoned oak barrels, Auditori is floral and elegant, with pronounced acidity and fine tannins. It is considered the winery’s most refined expression of Garnatxa, with only 5,000 bottles produced each vintage.
Acústic Blanc
A white blend of Garnatxa Blanca, Macabeu, and Pansal (Xarel·lo), grown on calcareous and sandy soils. Fermentation occurs in stainless steel, with partial aging in acacia and French oak barrels. The resulting wine is textural and mineral, with notes of white fruit, fennel, and saline nuances. Annual production is around 15,000 bottles.
Acústic Rosat
Primarily Garnatxa-based, this rosé is fermented in stainless steel for purity and freshness. It presents flavors of red berries, citrus, and Mediterranean herbs. With about 8,000 bottles produced yearly, the Rosat is a vibrant representation of Montsant’s versatility.
All wines are bottled unfined and unfiltered, in line with the winery’s commitment to minimal intervention. Sustainable and organic vineyard practices are central to production, although formal certification has not been pursued. Cover crops, manual harvests, and avoidance of synthetic chemicals underpin Acústic Celler’s sustainable philosophy.
Acústic Celler stands as a leading example of Montsant’s potential to produce site-specific, expressive wines. Through Albert Jané’s dedication to old vines, diverse soils, and restrained winemaking, Acústic Celler has crafted a distinct voice within Catalonia’s dynamic wine landscape. The winery’s wines have been featured in respected publications such as Wine & Spirits Magazine and Vinous, further validating its reputation. For wine professionals, sommeliers, and enthusiasts seeking wines that articulate terroir over technique, Acústic Celler offers a compelling narrative and product.
