Pinyolet is the name of the unique type of soil that makes superior wines in the Montsant appellation. If the best wines in Priorat are produced from Licorella soils, the most singular wines from Montsant are produced from vines tended in Pinyolet soils. A pinyolet is a pebble of limestone that results from the erosion of limestone boulders only found in the upper hills of Montsant. These pebbles of limestone communicate an element of minerality and brightness that is unique to the best wines of this terroir. Even though Montsant is next to Priorat, nothing could be more different. Montsant is cooler and higher in elevation than Priorat. The cooler nights allow Garnacha to retain more acidity and make wines that are uplifted, floral, full of tension, more elegant. In the words of Neal Martin "If Priorat is Pauillac then Montsant is Margaux."
