The winery Bell Cross it will be a reality. An adventure of Ann y Peter skoglund that began in 2017, when they fell in love with the wines and the landscape of the Montsant. They started a process of buying hectares, selected the areas and lands of greatest interest to begin to materialize their dream. Since then, they have bought a total of 7 more neighboring plots, the last one in June 2019, accumulating an investment of 1,2 million euros to date. Discover here everything about this wine-growing family located in the municipality of Marsa (Tarragona).
A multidisciplinary and local team
Throughout this process, they have been accompanied by a multidisciplinary and local team. A choice made conscientiously since it was important that the territorio and your needs. All this to be able to produce a high quality wine. With Ann and Peter assuming the financial management and the direction of Bell Cross, the rest of the team is headed by the renowned winemaker Joan Asens. Recently recognized as the Best Winemaker of Catalonia 2019, according to the Catalan Association of Sommeliers.
Then, Xavier Penas, which in addition to being his first contact with the wine world of the Montsant, is co-owner of the Bodega San Rafel de la DO Montsant. He is currently in charge of managing the operations of Bell Cross. Balthazar Vendrell He is responsible for viticulture and has a degree in Geology. Finally, Miguel Figini, who was coordinator of the Catalan Wine Space, is in charge of the commercial network and customer relations.
A philosophy based on the territory and sustainability
In total, in Bell Cross count on 25 hectares, 14 of which are planted with vines between 30-80 years old. These old vineyards are a reflection of the place where they grow and of the tradition in the cultivation of the ancient vine of the Montsant. On the ground, the great richness of soils stands out, mainly clayey-calcareous soils, but also granite, slate and clayey soils.
As for the varieties, we work with 100% autochthonous grapes, putting the main focus on the Garnacha and Cariñena, typical of the DO Montsant and its neighbor DOQ Priorat. These grapes will form the backbone of wine production: Cariñena 70%, Garnacha Tinta 25% and Garnacha Blanca 5%.
Sustainable viticulture at Bell Cros
Bell Cross it is by conviction, sustainable financing model and ecological. Quality is prioritized over quantity. The winery is understood as another tool for preserving the landscape of the region and as a key part of its economic development. On the other hand, the sustainability without ecologyFor this reason, the conversion of the vineyards to organic farming was immediate after the purchase.
All the techniques used in the vineyards comply with the organic regulations. They are currently incorporating microbiology techniques by compost, to bring the floors back to life. Little by little, biodynamic practices will be introduced in vineyard management. At the end of 2018, the vineyards were requested to be registered as organic production in the CCPAE. In this way, the special organic certificate will be obtained and they hope to achieve it by the end of 2021.
The production
The ultimate goal of the production of Bell Cross It is 75.000 bottles made 100% with its grapes. On the other hand, they are working on a project to build their own winery in the middle of the vineyards. If all goes well, the new winery will be ready in the 2022. The investment for the construction of the winery is approximately 2 million euros.
The wines
The first wines they will present, we can already find them on the market are: The Tracte 2017 (100% Cariñena), with a production of 4.500 bottles. The CAMI 2018 (79% Cariñena, 11% Garnacha Negra and 10% Tempranillo), with a production of 13.250 bottles of 75 cl and 200 of 15 0cl. The Addició 2018 (88% Garnacha Blanca and 12% Macabeo), with 1.400 bottles. With these products, Bell Cross wants to better position itself among the Catalan wine offer.
Parallel activities
The claim of the new winery is that they do not only offer wines, but a full experience. In this sense, a program of activities has been developed in the middle of the vineyards throughout the year with a triple purpose: to learn, do and enjoy. The objective is to involve the end consumer in the process of maintaining the vineyard and making the wine. All this through these immersive activities.
On the other hand, a provider network that, under the name of "Friends of Bell Cros", will offer members a series of benefits and commercial tools for the realization of tastings and educational workshops at the partners' premises. Also personalized special promotions and benefits for each establishment.