Two Mediterranean Souls
Nestled between the little hillock where the Mas d’en Gil farm house stands and the Sarraí Mountain lies La Vall de Bellmunt (Bellmunt Valley). It is an exhuberant passageway of natural diversity. This is where two Mediterranean souls meet: to the east, the cultivated slopes of olive groves and vineyards, a vision of classic orderliness and to the west, the mountain covered with woodland and an aromatic Mediterranean forest floor. Thanks to the two aspects, evenings in Bellmunt are a sight to see.
Altitude: from 300 to 360m above sea level
Main Aspect: North-south facing
Area: 45 hectares (111 acres)
Climate
The valley channels the two main winds in this area: the sea breezes which blow up from the south-east and the north-easterly winds which are stronger and colder. This double influence creates a miniature version of the Priorat where the typical vegetation of the different cultivated areas find their best possible habitats.
Terroirs
The diversity of microclimates and plant life can also be seen in the soil types which are very varied. We can find limestone-based marls, black and red Llicorella (slate) and rounded pebbles from the bottoms of the ravines.
Crops
Spread out over the valley are nearly 5 hectares (12 acres) of vineyards planted with Garnatxa Negra (Red Grenache) and Carinyena (Carignan) as well as Macabeu (Viura) and Garnatxa Blanca (White Grenache). A great olive grove covering 5 hectares (12 acres) creeps up towards the farm house and defines the uppermost areas of the valley.
Wines and olive oils
All the red grapes from Bellmunt are used to make a wine of the same name. It is an honest representation of the wines made in Bellmunt del Priorat. The old vine Garnatxa Blanca (White Grenache) are used to make Coma Blanca. The grapes grown on the vineyard plot known as Entrebosc (between the woods) are used to make Bellmunt Blanc, a white “Vi de Vila”. The olive trees grow Arbequina olives to make our Oli de Mas d’en Gil (Mas d’en Gil Olive Oil).
