Franck Massard Inglés - Franck Massard

DOQ Priorat / Coster GPS 41°14'17.3"N 0°49'51.9"E

Aceite de oliva / Olivos GPS 41°04'23.8"N 0°43'41.1"E

Rias Baixas / Viñedo GPS 42°27'58.7"N 8°34'58.0"W

DOQ Priorat / Almendro en Flor GPS 41°14'10.8"N 0°50'03.4"E

DO Terra Alta / Viñedo GPS 41°06'51.7"N 0°25'05.0"E

DOQ Priorat / Viñedo GPS 41°14'26.1"N 0°49'39.0"E

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International Women´s Day

Today we want to honor our working women. Where there’s

Dead Wood

What would you do with a giant, dead fig tree?

Deadlier than bears and spiders

Deadlier than bears and spiders “Killer wasps” “The biggest wasp

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franckmassard

Grafting Vines The history of the Priorat región

Grafting Vines

The history of the Priorat región has always drawn my attention and to be able to form part of it is an absolute privilege.

Our heritage as a winemaking region started with the monks who settled in El Priorat in the 10th century and began their viticulture work on the land. Since then, the region has become a benchmark in the world of wines, and for this reason it has continued to be cultivated until the present day.

In my opinion, the rich history of the region holds a lot of importance. I am proud to have vines from the last century growing in our vineyards; but it also requires effort and specialised work.

In one of our plots, the vines are over 100 years old, and we want to continue tending to them. In order to obtain fruit from these plants that are still productive, we must carry out meticulous work, and use a technique based on grafts.

The idea is to keep the trunk of the old vine and leave one or two arms or branches, which are thick enough to receive a graft of a cutting from other younger and stronger vines.

To explain a little more, it works just like a hair graft: a "foreign" part is added to the body in question; in this case a cutting is grafted on to the vine. It is expected that the grafted cutting will grow and develop in order to obtain the same benefits as an original part.

It is a technique that requires patience and constant vigilance. And we have already started the necessary processes to carry it out. I'll let you know how everything progresses!

Franck

#franckmassardwines #winelover #vineyards #vineyardwork #workhard #doqpriorat #sommelier #winemaker #winemaking

Common Blackbird (Turdus merula) Being in El Prio

Common Blackbird (Turdus merula)

Being in El Priorat is as much of an audial experience as it is visual. One of the sounds I love to hear the most is the song of this charming bird: the common blackbird.

Did you know that its song is the most melodic of all the birds? This little bird is characterised by its black plumage for the males and brown plumage for females. Its size varies between 24-25cm in length.

The blackbird can live in many different environments. It’s a bird that easily adapts to its surroundings which is why we can often see them both in gardens of more urban areas and also in forests, fields (and in my vineyards in El Priorat).

During the month of March, the temperatures will begin to increase. The blackbird will start its search for a mating partner and begin construction of what will be its future nest for its chicks; this stage usually lasts until April. Blackbirds can lay 3-5 eggs which they will incubate for around 15 days.

At just two weeks old, the chicks leave the nest but will still be fed for a further 15 days by the male bird, since the female will already be in charge of making a second clutch.

These birds feed on all kinds of insects and other invertebrates along with a wide variety of wild or cultivated fruits, such as grapes, olives, blackberries...
The blackbird’s flight is very agile. It moves lightly and with great skill, generally at low altitude. But what I find funniest is being able to see how they move on the firm ground, with small jumps. They always make me smile!
I leave you some photos of some blackbirds that we have been able to find in El Priorat.
Best,
Franck.

Credit for source of information:
José Antonio Latorre
latorrejimenez.jose@gmail.com
joselatorre.wordpress.com

#franckmassardwines #biodiversity #biodiversityprotection #protectnature #naturelover #winelover #vineyards #doqpriorat

Today we want to honor our working women. Where th

Today we want to honor our working women. Where there’s a woman, there’s magic. Happy International Women’s Day! 🍇

#internationalwomensday #womensday #womenpower #franckmassardwines #winelover #winemakers #vineyards🍇

“Deadlier than bears and spiders” “Killer wa

“Deadlier than bears and spiders”
“Killer wasps”
“The biggest wasp in the world threatens to invade Spain”

These are some of the famous headlines of 2020 when it was made known that the Asian wasp may invade Spain.

And so it was: the Asian wasp came to Spain and many other countries. It soon spread throughout the Peninsula and El Priorat was no exception.

This wasp can measure up to 5cm in length (four times as long as a common wasp) and up to 7.5cm with its wings extended!

It is known that just a few bites can be lethal for us humans!

One of the biggest problems, however, is how this wasp affects our biodiversity. It’s a massive predator of bees: it can destroy entire hives.

In the face of these attacks it is necessary to take measures, since our biodiversity, especially of the vineyard, is affected by this species.

A value that I defend and promote as a winegrower is sustainable development that is respectful of the environment. I try to do everything I can to take care of it and encourage an increase in biodiversity. I have a passion for nature, and my goal is to take care of it.

The disappearance of our bees could start a spiral of problems that would harm the sustainable development of our environment...

That is why together with my friend José A. Latorre, a biodiversity specialist, we are looking for a way to eradicate these wasps.

In the photos you can see the traps that we installed in the vineyard to be able to put an end to this pest and take care of our fauna and flora. And in the last photo a sign in Catalan:
“Attention! Bees”.

Credit for source of information:
José Antonio Latorre
latorrejimenez.jose@gmail.com
joselatorre.wordpress.com

#franckmassardwines #biodiversity #biology #environment #naturephotography #asianwasp #wasp #animalovers #fauna #doqpriorat

This bottle is a trace of the past. Half a centur

This bottle is a trace of the past.
Half a century of resting in wooden barrels to ennoble it, to give it a new soul.
It has left the ardor of youth to acquire nobler notes.

Perfumes are tertiary, an alchemy of toasted notes, dried fruits. This unique production is a gift of nature.

#franckmassard #franckmassardwines #vinorancio #solera #oldwine #winemakers #sweetwine

What would you do with a giant, dead fig tree? Its

What would you do with a giant, dead fig tree? Its wood has dried out, it’s porous and it’s not bearing fruit… It might seem like it’s taking up space and the best thing to do is get rid of this dead wood…

But did you know, to remove old or dead trees harms the ecosystem? Please read on…

Dead wood is essential for the proper functioning of the environment, specifically for regeneration and proliferation of fauna and flora.

Organisms called xylophages feed from the dead wood, for example termites, beetles and other larvae. They will remain as a larva, feeding on this dead wood until they become adults and change their diet; as such, they have a key role in the food chain.

Having dead wood in our land can also be of great help after fires and storms. The decomposition of this matter is a process that can take years and even decades, but it's a great advantage, giving many years of benefit!

Dead wood is home to many essential organic elements for life. The release of these elements into the environment helps neighbouring plants, which capture these nutrients and thus promote the fertility of the forest.

What’s more, the dead wood is a direct food source for many beings and organisms such as fungi and insects. In turn, these insects are food for birds, mammals, reptiles... This contributes to the increase of fauna, creating a healthy and sustainable environment.

#franckmassardwines #environment #ecofriendly #medioambientelimpio #enviromentallyfriendly #doqprioratwine #deadwood #biodiversity

Muérdago (Viscum album) Recently we discovered

Muérdago (Viscum album)

Recently we discovered the presence of this semi-parasitic plant growing on a tree in our vineyards. Do you know of Mistletoe?

This plant is propagated by certain species of birds. When the birds consume the white berries of the plant, they wipe their sticky beaks on the branches of the tree and in doing so, leave the seeds stuck to the bark, where they develop roots with which they "hook" on to their host tree and begin to absorb its sap.

So, if it feeds on another being, why is it semi-parasitic? Because its leaves are capable of photosynthesis.

It is a plant that has medicinal properties. But what it is best known for is its origins in Celtic traditions; magical properties were attributed to it, and it has survived to this day as a Christmas tradition to bring luck (give us a kiss when we find ourselves under this plant).

Credit for source of information:
José Antonio Latorre
latorrejimenez.jose@gmail.com
joselatorre.wordpress.com

#franckmassardwines #biodiversity #biodiversidad #biologia #vineyardvines #winemaker #sommelier #doqpriorat #mistletoe

The shrew The shrew is a tiny mammal, to which we

The shrew

The shrew is a tiny mammal, to which we don’t normally pay too much attention. For this reason I’ve decided to make a post today dedicated to the shrew, to explain the benefits it gives to the ecosystem.

Climate change threatens this species, but perhaps more importantly, so does the lack of knowledge about these small animals.

The shrew is the smallest mammal in Europe. A typical adult varies between 2.5cm and 4.5cm in length and weighs between 1.8 and 2.2 grams. I’ve seen bigger strawberries!

The shrew thrives in Mediterranean environments such as grasslands, where dry crops grow and amongst dry stone walls. Their diet is based around invertebrates, among which they eat grasshoppers, spiders, centipedes and earthworms. They are voracious insectivores, so they can be great allies in pest control.

Their reproduction period is just over a month from beginning to end. April-May is usually the time when they begin to have their young. They can have a litter of 2 to 5 young on average, and with a gestation period of only 21 days, they reach the size of adults soon after birth.

Our protagonist leads a very hectic life, alternating short periods of rest with others of activity.

The shrew needs to consume a daily diet equivalent to its own weight; otherwise it can die of starvation. For this reason its life is very short; usually living up to 1.5 years.

To have these tiny beings living in the vineyard is an honour and again an example of how we are committed to a production that respects our environment.

Credits for the information:
José Antonio Latorre
latorrejimenez.jose@gmail.com
joselatorre.wordpress.com

#franckmassardwines #biodiversity #environment #ecology #biology #vineyards #shrew

El Mago Rosé 2022 - NOW AVAILABLE! (link in bio)*

El Mago Rosé 2022 - NOW AVAILABLE! (link in bio)*

El Mago comes from a single vineyard in altitude at the village of Villalba dels Arcs grown on silt and limestone soils.
Small production, 1159 bottles produced.

Grape Variety: 100% Grenache
Alcohol content: 13,5%
Acidity: 5,7 g/l
PH: 3,33
Harvest: Manual
No added sulfites: <7mg/L

*Only in Spain.

#franckmassardwines #winesfromspain #doterraalta #elmagofranckmassard #rosé #rosewine #newproduct #available_now

As a Sommelier and winemaker, my aim is to make ea

As a Sommelier and winemaker, my aim is to make each vintage the highest possible quality. With my years of experience, I’m aware there are many factors which influence this process.

Crucially, I need to guarantee high quality fruit with perfect ripeness. Equally important is maintaining healthy vines year after year.

Pruning of the vine is a vital part of the process when maintaining a healthy vineyard.
The vine is a climbing plant that grows and grows without stopping, so it must be controlled.

For this reason, pruning is necessary to give the vine the correct shape and in order to encourage the fruit to grow efficiently and in the right places.

Every part of the pruning process must be carefully considered and done respectfully. Vines are living beings and give us the gift of their fruit year after year. We want to help these plants to be able to continue working in an efficient way, by giving them the opportunity to have a healthy and prolonged lifespan.

Now is the ideal time to do the pruning: the vines are resting during the winter and it’s time to prepare them for their future production.

In the vineyard we have two parts of the pruning process. Firstly there is the pre-pruning which consists of removing the long canes which have attached their tendrils to the wire trellis system. Secondly, we trim the pre-pruned canes down to small spurs to maintain a good, strong structure ready to bear the new fruit for the coming vintage.

#biodiversity #winemaking #pruning #pruningseason #pruningvineyards #winelover #sommelier

WINE LOVE UTOPIA As a chocolate and wine lover I

WINE LOVE UTOPIA

As a chocolate and wine lover I thought for St Valentine’s Day of La Cesta.

A natural wine, free of SO2 and full of love in the process.

Indulge yourself!!!

Franck

#winelovers🍷 #winetasting #winetopia #winemakers #franckmassardwines #doqpriorat #valentineday #pairing

Friday update teaser Hi and happy Friday! Greetin

Friday update teaser

Hi and happy Friday!
Greetings from El Priorat, where I have been this week taking some videos and catching up with my trusted friends and co-workers, Feli and José.
Feli and I were planning the current pruning season and giving each vine individual attention, as you can see us checking one vine overgrown from its American rootstock.
José has planned to build a small pond for the amphibians which can be found around the vineyard. Water can be scarce in this region so if we build a pond by our water container, it will encourage and help these toads and lizards survive.
In winter the colours of the vineyard can be mostly brown and not so pretty... but the bright yellow lichen against the blue sky was so beautiful... so I have added it to this selection.
I will post more photos and videos in the coming weeks, about many different topics but mainly with the biodiversity theme. I hope you enjoy!
Cheers!
Franck.

#winelover #winetime #vineyardviews #doqpriorat #winemaker #sommelier

Naked Wines has been part of my career as a profes

Naked Wines has been part of my career as a professional, and thanks to them my wines reach many of you.

Reading comments like these and knowing that you enjoy my wines is gratifying and motivates me to keep working to improve as much as possible.

Here's to you and to being able to continue enjoying wine together!

#domontsant #winephotography #winemaker #feedback #reviews #winereviews #nakedwines

TB to some photos of me and my team on September 2

TB to some photos of me and my team on September 22, the last harvest in Poboleda 🔙

#tbt🔙 #tb #throwback #memories #wine #winephotography #winemaker #harvestwine #doqpriorat #winecellar #viticulture #sommelier

Bellesa Perfecta 2019 - @d.o.q.priorat I wanted t

Bellesa Perfecta 2019 - @d.o.q.priorat
I wanted to produce a Priorat wine that was the true reflection of the terroir and the minerality so particular to this area and thus achieve the freshness that is often lacking in the region. A wine that is a beauty, a simple and elegant wine.

The grapes have been carefully selected and have been grown in vineyards located on very steep terraces, with adequate exposure to sunlight to reach the optimum ripeness point.

In the cellar, we perform a gentle extraction and the wine partially matures in the barrel to provide stability and complexity without losing the freshness of its fruity character.

#wine #winemakers #redwine #doqpriorat #wineceller #winelover #viticulture #sommelier #winetime

Since 2004 until today with the same passion! Than

Since 2004 until today with the same passion! Thankfully, I still have the pleasure to being able to do what I love the most. It is a journey full of experiences, growth, new friends, evolution... so that's why I try to share my passion, enthusiasm and experiences learnt in each of my projects.

#wine #winery #project #franckmassard #priorat #doqpriorat #lovewine #winedrinker #winemaker #sommelier

La Cesta: Pure expression of Priorat without inter

La Cesta: Pure expression of Priorat without intervention… Powerful yet elegant.

(No added sulphites)

#winemaker #naturalwine #franckmassardwines #winelovers #winesfromspain #naturalwinemaking #wine

Every year we have the opportunity to see the chan

Every year we have the opportunity to see the changes that the Priorat landscape undergoes in each season.

In winter it is filled with orange and brown colors, while at the same time it is combined with dull and darker colors such as the gray sky or the wet wood

Isn't it amazing how the ecosystem follows its cycle year after year and how we can benefit from it? That is why at Franck Massard we are committed to sustainable agriculture, using regenerative techniques, to take care of our ecosystem and to be able to continue enjoying it for many more years to come.

#franckmassard #winesfromspain #doqpriorat #vineyards #sommelier #winelover

Instagram post 18071523274332328

Instagram post 18071523274332328

Today we would like to introduce you to Loli, one

Today we would like to introduce you to Loli, one of the people in charge of taking care of our vineyard.

#franckmassardwines #vineyards #winemakers #winelover

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