The people involved
Bell Cros is a vineyard. But it is just as much an idea, a thought and a desire to spread happiness and put DO Montsant on the map. Here are the people who are making this possible.
Ann & Peter Skoglund – entrepreneurs / enthusiasts
We really hadn’t planned on getting ourselves a vineyard. Wine was certainly one of our
pleasures in life, but we were no experts. And we had just sold our business back home in Sweden and were intending to enjoy our new-found free time and not embark on any new projects. But shortly after buying an apartment in Barcelona we began discovering the Catalan countryside and wines. The first wines we encountered were from the world-famous DOQ Priorat district, and then the wines from nearby DO Montsant. And it was here we stumbled across a vineyard that was for sale…
Being the incurable enthusiasts that we are, it was impossible for us to resist the challenge. The vineyard in the beautiful valley below the Montsant mountains became ours. We knew that we had a lot to learn and we sought knowledge. However we never imagined we would receive such keen support from people locally. They generously shared their experience and knowledge with us, considerately giving us advice to help us newcomers avoid pitfalls. We were welcomed with open arms. As our project grew, an idea became rooted in our minds that we should put together a locally-based team that could make wine which would draw greater attention to DO Montsant.
Joan Asens – winemaker / genius
It is no exaggeration to call Joan Asens a top international winemaker. His name is well-
known in Catalonia and he is frequently honoured with the epithet of “crac” which roughly translates as genius. Joan is one of the people behind the huge international success of the neighbouring district of DOQ Priorat. As chief oenologist at one of the famous wineries, he played a key role in developing top-quality wines that sell for around EUR 1,000 per bottle.
It is naturally a great honour that Joan Asens has agreed to take on the role of winemaker for Bell Cros. His roots are here and he divides his time between his own vineyard Orto Vins and Bell Cros. Being able to present wines bearing the signature of Joan Asens is a privilege that very few enjoy. Joan has been named winemaker of the year 2019 in Catalonia.
Winery manager / MultitaskerAlbert Peris
Albert has many years of experience in winemaking and has been responsible for the winemaking in many of Priorat’s top wineries, such as Mas Martinet and Terroir al Límit. Albert spends most of his time in our new state-of-the-art winery. It requires close collaboration with our winemaker, Joan Asens, to achieve the perfect result that Joan always strives for. Albert takes care of the practical process from the time the grapes arrive at the winery until it becomes a finished wine. Finally, Albert makes sure that the wines are delivered to our customers.
Albert also has a very sensitive nose and takes care of our wine tastings with our guests.
Sales Spain / Wine connoisseur Marta Amade
Marta’s professional origins were in the fine perfumery sector, in the sales department of aromatic chemicals and natural essences for perfumes. Marta loves wine and has dedicated most of her life to hosting wine tastings and selling wine. In addition to her practical experience in tasting wines, Marta is also a certified sommelier, WSET 3.
Marta’s great interest when she is not working with wine is the pleasure finding the perfect combination of wine and food. Marta lives in the modern and vibrant city of Barcelona and is Bell Cro’s tentacle when it comes to new sensing trends in the world of wine.