Castell de Siurana Blanc: the new wine that claims the Macabeu of Cornudella de Montsant

Castell de Siurana Blanc: the new wine that claims the Macabeu of Cornudella de Montsant

There are wines that are born with the desire to explain a territory. The new Castell de Siurana Blanc is one of these wines. A determined commitment by the Celler Cooperatiu de Cornudella de Montsant to recover and enhance a historical variety of our town: the Macabeu .

This first edition represents a new step in the evolution of the Celler’s white wines. A wine made exclusively with 100% Macabeu , designed to show the full potential of a variety that for decades has been the protagonist of many of the vineyards of Cornudella and that today continues to offer elegant, gastronomic wines deeply linked to the landscape of the DO Montsant .

Macabeu, the great white variety from Cornudella

When talking about the wines of the DO Montsant, the protagonists are often the Grenaches and Carignans. But in Cornudella de Montsant there is another variety that is part of our winemaking history: the Macabeu .

Present for generations on the farms of the Cooperative’s members, the Macabeu has demonstrated an extraordinary capacity to adapt to the different soils, orientations and altitudes of our municipality.

This diversity is, precisely, one of the great riches of the Castell de Siurana Blanc .

The wine is made with Macabeu from all the vineyards of the Cooperative’s members. Each plot brings different nuances, the result of its location, the type of soil and the altitude. The result is a wine with great aromatic complexity, capable of expressing all the richness of the Cornudella de Montsant territory.

A gastronomic white wine with personality

Castell de Siurana Blanc was born with the desire to become a benchmark among the white wines of the DO Montsant .

It is a wine with body, freshness and a marked aromatic expression, designed both to be enjoyed alone and to accompany a wide variety of dishes.

Its production combines tradition with careful winemaking that seeks to preserve the character of Macabeu as much as possible.

After a static settling of 48 hours, the must ferments for fifteen days at low temperature to preserve the full intensity of the primary aromas. Once fermentation is complete, the wine rests for six months with its fine lees, a process that gives it volume, texture and complexity.

To complete this elaboration, 25% of the wine is aged for two months in French oak barrels. This subtle aging does not seek to mask the fruit, but rather to enhance it, providing elegant notes of toffee, a slight caramelized sensation and a rounder, silky and balanced mouthfeel.

The result is a gastronomic white wine, with its own personality and a great capacity for evolution.

 

The 2025 harvest: the return to balance

The 2025 harvest marked a turning point after three years of extreme drought.

Without yet reaching the usual yields of the vineyards, the rainfall allowed us to recover part of the production potential and, above all, achieve a better balance between alcoholic strength, acidity and grape ripening.

These conditions gave rise to a particularly expressive Macabeo, with an excellent aromatic intensity and freshness that define the character of Castell de Siurana Blanc .

A tandem that explains the territory

Castell de Siurana Blanc was created to complete a range that speaks of our territory. Alongside the renowned Castell de Siurana negre , this new single-varietal from Macabeu offers the white vision of Cornudella de Montsant. Two wines with different personalities but with the same soul: the most authentic expression of our partners’ vineyards and the landscape that surrounds us. Together they form a tandem that represents the tradition, quality and identity of the Celler Cooperatiu de Cornudella de Montsant.

Each glass of Castell de Siurana Blanc tells a story about a part of Cornudella de Montsant. It tells about the vineyards located at different altitudes, the soils that change from one estate to another, the work of the members of the Cooperative and the knowledge accumulated over more than a century of winemaking. It is a wine that vinifies the value of Macabeu as one of the great white varieties of our territory and that demonstrates that white wines from the DO Montsant can offer elegance, freshness, depth and a marked identity.

Tasting note

In appearance it has an intense yellow color with golden reflections and good density in the glass.

On the nose it stands out for its great aromatic intensity. Ripe tropical fruits coexist with aromas of white fruit and stone fruit, while the partial aging in French oak provides delicate notes of toffee and a subtle caramelized sensation that increases its complexity.

In the mouth it is broad, silky and with very good structure. Its attack is full, but it maintains a lively freshness thanks to a well-integrated acidity. The finish is long and persistent, with a slight bitterness characteristic of Macabeo that provides tension, invites salivation and makes each sip awaken the desire for the next.

In vermouth, lemon or orange?

In vermouth, lemon or orange?

One of the most common questions when serving a good vermouth is: lemon or orange? The answer is simple: there is no single correct way. It all depends on the type of vermouth and the result we are looking for in the glass.

Lemon adds freshness and a more intense citrus touch. Its acidity accentuates the bitter and herbaceous notes of the vermouth, making it more vibrant and refreshing. For this reason, it tends to be a good option for drier or lighter vermouths.

Orange , on the other hand, offers a softer and more aromatic profile. Its sweet and citrus notes harmonize very well with classic vermouths, helping to balance their bitterness and enhancing their complexity. The result is a rounder, friendlier and more elegant glass.

And that is precisely why, at the Celler Cooperatiu de Cornudella de Montsant , we recommend serving the Vermouth de la Cooperativa with a slice of orange . Ours is a traditional-style vermouth, with an intense aromatic profile and a sweet touch that makes it especially pleasant. The orange accentuates its nuances, highlights its aromas and perfectly accompanies its balance between sweetness and bitterness.

Our favorite way to drink it is very simple: a glass with plenty of ice, a slice of orange and, if you like, some stuffed olives to complete the aperitif ritual.

In the end, the best vermouth is the one you enjoy the most. But if you haven’t tried the Cooperativa Vermouth with orange yet, we encourage you to do so. You may discover that sometimes the little details are what make the difference.

MONTSANT WINE RUN: THE GREAT FESTIVAL OF WINE, SPORTS AND THE TERRITORY

MONTSANT WINE RUN: THE GREAT FESTIVAL OF WINE, SPORTS AND THE TERRITORY

On September 12, 2026 , the Celler Cooperatiu de Cornudella de Montsant will become the epicenter of a unique experience in Priorat. The MONTSANT WINE RUN is here, an innovative proposal that merges trail running, wine tourism, gastronomy, landscape and Montsant wines in a day designed to enjoy the territory with all five senses.

Much more than a race, the Montsant Wine Run was born with the desire to become the great wine festival of the Celler Cooperatiu de Cornudella , a celebration open to both regular runners and all those looking for a different experience in the heart of Priorat. Here it is not just about running. It is about discovering an exceptional landscape, sharing unique moments and toasting with some of the best wines produced at the foot of the Serra de Montsant.

Running among the vineyards of Priorat

The race runs along paths and tracks that cross some of the most spectacular wine-growing landscapes in Catalonia. Participants will be able to choose between two distances: the 10K Cariñena and the 14K Garnatxa , two routes that allow you to discover vineyards, historic paths and privileged panoramic views of the Serra de Montsant Natural Park.

During the tour, participants will enter a territory shaped for centuries by the vineyard, where each slope, each dry stone bank and each plot tells a part of the winemaking history of Priorat. It is an exceptional opportunity to get to know up close the landscapes that give rise to the wines produced by the region’s winegrowers.

An experience that combines sport and wine tourism

The MONTSANT WINE RUN is one of the few events that naturally combines the world of trail running with that of wine tourism . Throughout the day, participants will be able to enjoy special refreshments, a festive atmosphere and the possibility of discovering the wines of the territory in a completely different context.

The aim is for each participant to have a memorable experience, regardless of their sporting level. For this reason, the circuits are designed for both runners and people who prefer to complete them on foot, enjoying the landscape and wine heritage without rushing.

The Wine Cathedral as a meeting point

The main attraction of the day will be the Cornudella de Montsant Wine Cathedral , the century-old modernist winery that will host the start, finish and many of the complementary activities. This emblematic building, designed by Cèsar Martinell, represents the history, tradition and cooperative spirit that have defined local viticulture for over a century.

Crossing the finish line in front of this architectural gem will be just the beginning of the celebration.

Gastronomy, wines and party

After the effort comes the reward. The day will continue with a great popular festival that will include barbecue, music, a festive atmosphere and a wine bar managed by The Wine Truck , where attendees will be able to taste different references from the Celler Cooperatiu de Cornudella and other wines from the territory.

The Montsant Wine Run is a perfect opportunity to discover Priorat with family, friends or as a couple, also taking the opportunity to visit wineries, enjoy local gastronomy and explore some of the most spectacular corners of the region.

We are waiting for you!

If you are passionate about wine, nature, sport and authentic experiences, save the date. On September 12, 2026, you have an appointment with the first edition of the MONTSANT WINE RUN , an experience that promises to become a reference in sports wine tourism in Catalonia.

Sign up, get your sneakers ready and come discover why running through vineyards in Priorat is much more than just a race. It’s a way of experiencing the territory.

Why does EVOO condense in the cold?

Why does EVOO condense in the cold?

Extra virgin olive oil is a natural, unrefined product, and is mainly composed of fatty acids. When the temperature drops (usually below 12–15 °C), some of these components begin to partially solidify.

This means that:
· Small white crystals appear
· The oil becomes thicker or cloudy
· It looks “curdled” or thick

It is a completely reversible physical phenomenon. It is not a defect.

What exactly is happening?

Olive oil has a high proportion of oleic acid (a monounsaturated fat). Unlike saturated fats (like butter), it does not solidify completely easily, but with enough cold:
· Molecules are ordered
· They form microcrystals
· The oil loses transparency

When you return it to room temperature (around 18–22°C), it all melts away and regains its usual texture and appearance.

Is this a sign that it is a good oil?

Interestingly, often yes.
Unfiltered or lightly manipulated extra virgin oils may exhibit this effect more visibly. It is a sign that it has not been refined or chemically altered.

However, just because it doesn’t solidify doesn’t mean it’s bad. Each variety (arbequina, picual, empeltre…) has different compositions and reacts differently to cold.

How to preserve it well?

· Store between 15 and 20 °C
· Away from direct light

· Well closed

Avoid the refrigerator if not necessary. If it has “curdled”, leave it at room temperature for a few hours and it will return to normal.

New Wine 2025

New Wine 2025

Fermentation tank after harvest

Vi Novell 2025 is the first new wine that we produce in the winery. A wine that was born with the desire to celebrate the end of the harvest, and share the first wine of the year.

It is a sincere expression of the term of Cornudella de Montsant , made with native varieties , mainly Grenache , with a small contribution of Syrah . The result is a fresh, lively, fruity and very aromatic wine, which perfectly reflects the characteristics of the grapes grown in our area: freshness, good acidity and great liveliness .

The vineyards from which this Vi Novell comes are located in a unique environment, between valleys, rivers, ravines and mountain slopes , with a combination of heights and a great diversity of soils. This landscape mosaic, framed between the Serra del Montsant and the Muntanyes de Prades , is key to understanding the profile of the wine: a light but intense red, direct and full of energy, faithful to the character of our territory.

Visually, Vi Novell 2025 presents an intense, bright and attractive reddish-purple color , which already indicates its youth and vitality. On the nose it is particularly expressive, with aromas of fresh, recently harvested red fruit , where strawberry and raspberry stand out clearly, accompanied by subtle lactic notes that add complexity and make the whole even more pleasant.

In the mouth it is soft, fresh and very easy to drink , with a well-marked acidity , characteristic of the wines of our area. The palate is agile and clean, with an intense taste that faithfully reproduces the aromas of the nose, evoking the sensation of biting into a freshly picked red fruit . It is a wine designed to be enjoyed young, without artifice, letting the grapes and the landscape speak.

Regarding the production, we have opted for a respectful process that preserves the aromas and freshness as much as possible. The grapes are destemmed but not crushed , and maceration with the skins takes place for 6 days at a controlled temperature between 18 and 21 ºC . The wine is made exclusively with vat bleeding , a key decision to obtain a finer and cleaner profile, avoiding bitterness, greenness or unnecessary astringency.

With an alcoholic strength of 13% vol. , Vi Novell 2025 is ideal for sharing, celebrating and understanding wine as a living expression of the moment. It is a wine that connects with tradition, but at the same time opens a new stage in our winery, reinforcing the will to continue making wines with identity, honesty and roots in the territory.

Vi Novell 2025 is not just a new wine: it is a declaration of intentions. A way of saying that the Celler Cooperatiu de Cornudella de Montsant continues to look forward, without losing sight of where we come from.