Can Ramon
Can Ramon, sits on the slopes of Montgros mountain with views of Sitges and the Mediterranean. The house and most of its contents have just been beautifully restored. A wonderful new winery sits beside it and replanted vineyards run down the valley from the Montgros mountain.
Viticultors de Montgros is the project of the Aviño family. A project which exudes savoir faire, warm Mediterranean atmosphere and quality. The estate produces a limited selection of fine brews from the hand of Manel Aviño, one of Catalunya’s great wine makers.
Sommelier and wine writer Paddy Mannion leads tours to special wineries like Can Ramon. El Molí Tours provides transport and complimentary cultural, historic and gastronomic back-up to make your visit to the vineyards and wineries of Penedès and Southern Catalunya a truly great experience.
Sip from the Hip
Can Ramon winery sits in a valley of the Montgros mountain
with views of Sitges and the Mediterranean. Can Ramon house
and its contents have been beautifully and creatively
restored. A wizard winery sits amoung regenerated sandy
vineyards that run down the valley and produce a smashing
selection of crisp original brews from the hand of Manel
Aviño, one of Catalunya’s great wine makers.
The Aviño family have always been dedicated to agriculture
and hospitality. They cultivated vegetables and vines in
Penedès. Manel’s parents took care of hospitality at the
theatre of Vilanova and later and ran the Solvi hotel on
the seafront in Vilanova.
Juan is director of the hotel and Manel is responsible for
every aspect of the winery, from original design to
designer wine
The battle of arches between the hall and rear tasting room
are testimony to previous entries and divisions since the
14th centuary, The diningroom/ old kitchen has green
rafters and the original wood burning range .
The oldest wine tank or “cup” made of cut rock, stands in
the middle of the house. A large 19C fridge door now guards
the entrance to this shrine and a large Ranci wine bottle.
The once popular Ranci wine was left outside for 60 days
and 60 nights to reach optimal condition.
16th / 17 th century pirate attacks were partially
responsible for the impressive modernist wrought iron door
that once separated upstairs and downstairs. This now
provides the frame for a glass top table that took 8 men to
lift and will happily seat so many.
The 14th centuary gothic arch has been the entrance and
later stable roof , markings at shoulder height show where
farm implements were sharpened.
The rustic Barrel room contains 90 casks of French oak,
mostly Allier of light or medium toast. There are heavier
transport and lighter Chateau barrels.
4 very original stainless tanks stand below the entry side
of the winery.
Grapes fall naturally into the double tank to macerate and
ferment.
Once fermented, the wine decants into the second tank
below, biodynamically correct.
A temperature controlled concrete mixer, a vinimatic, hides
in one corner. This honey, unheard of in most wineries,
belongs to the top secret hardware end of Manel’s arsenal.
The more strings in the bow, the more complex wines.
The 2 whites are the fresh young Can Ramon and sweeter
barrel aged Clos Lentiscus. Both use the Xarello variety,
old vine, and are best as 2 year olds
The 2 reds are similarly named.
The younger red blends Carineña, Samso, Tempranillo and
Sumoll.
Clos Lentiscus red spends about 14 months in the barrel and
is 100% Sumoll variety. This is a special wine and must be
decanted.
Lentiscus is the 1000 year old pastacio tree behind the
winery which appears on the label with original artwork
courtesy of Manel’s daughter.
La Agila de Cau Barrada is a protected species. At Can
Ramon, nesting couples of falcons and owls are nurtured.
Can Ramon wines are limited productions, often of only 1500
bottles.
A blend of historic vines, unique terroir and fascinating
wine making.