Montes Folly Apalta Vineyard Syrah
Montes was established in 1988 by Aurelio Montes, Douglas Murray, Alfredo Vidaurre and Pedro Grand, with the aim of producing the best wines in Chile from the best regions. We have long admired Montes and what they have done for Chilean wine over the past three decades. Their wines are consistently good because they are meticulous throughout the entire production process.
Syrah grapes are sourced from a single parcel on the highest, steepest slopes of the 'Finca Apalta' in Apalta, arguably one of the finest sites for red wine grape growing in Chile. Vines are planted on 45° slopes providing good exposure to aid ripening. Even at 60km away, the ocean holds influence, with its cool breezes moderating this warm area. Low night-time temperatures further prolong ripening, allowing for the slow development and retention of varietal aromas and acidity. Yields are very small at 3.5-4 tonnes per hectare.
Winter was mild with precipitation close to 320mm. A cool, rainy spring built up good water reserves in the soils. Summer was dry, enabling the grapes to remain in pristine condition. Temperatures remained warm, but not excessively so, resulting in virtually no damage to the vines or fruit. Thanks to controlled moisture conditions between fruit set and veraison, the berries remained small in size with a good ratio of skin to pulp, extraordinary levels of concentration, rich tannins, and very good aromas. Conditions at harvest remained favourable; the team had expected to pick early, but March and April saw cooler temperatures that pushed harvest back by 2 weeks, allowing the grapes to reach the perfect level of ripeness.
Grapes underwent a meticulous dual sorting process in the winery, once by machine using camera 'eyes' to reject less than perfect grapes, and once by hand. Only perfect berries made the final cut for this wine. Fruit underwent cold soaking for five days at 10°C to extract aroma and colour, before fermentation in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks for 12-15 days. Following this, the wine spent 15-20 days on its skins to enhance structure and colour. After malolactic fermentation, the wine was aged in 100% new French oak barrels for 24 months. The wine was then removed from the barrels and blended in tank. It was gently membrane filtered prior to bottling, then rested in bottle for at least two months prior to shipping.
Intense ruby red in colour, this wine is elegant and complex. The aromas are pronounced with blueberries and blackcurrants, and light notes of chocolate and subtle toast. Balanced, with round tannins, tremendous structure, and a long and pleasing finish.
7000+ Reviews!
