Folly 2017
Trade Tools
Chile / Colchagua Valley
The grapes for Montes Folly grow on the steepest hillsides of Finca de Apalta, where the vines have adapted best and have found good balance between yields and vegetative expression. The soils are of granitic origin and primarily consist of decomposing rocks from high above in the chain of mountains that crosses the valley, and therefore the soils in this sector are rather thin and poor in organic matter with a good percolation capacity, which enables the roots to explore the entire profile in search of water. The grapes are cut by hand and rigorously selected. Montes Folly has been awarded as the best Syrah in Chile.
Harvest Note
The 2016-17 season was characterised by low levels of precipitation in winter, which meant we had to be very efficient in gathering rainwater and irrigating up until harvest, fully adhering to our philosophy of sustainable irrigation. In spring there were only a few isolated spots of frost, making it a rather benign season. However, yields of red grapes were somewhat reduced because of low floral induction the year before and the restricted availability of water. Unusually high temperatures in January and February greatly influenced ripening. These peaks accelerated the accumulation of sugars, compared to the same dates in previous years. However, March had cooler afternoons, reducing the number of hours of heat and improving diurnal temperature changes, which was advantageous because it extended tannin maturation time. Syrah has a high resistance to stress; despite the high temperatures during ripening, the evolution was enough that Montes could harvest on dates very similar to the previous year, which had cooler temperatures. The fruit was in very good condition at the moment of harvesting, and ideal for beginning the vinification stage.
Tasting Note
This new vintage of Montes Folly, maintains the depth of colour and violet rim very characteristic of Syrah. The nose shows very ripe fruit, such as cherry, blueberry, blackberry, and strawberry, with characteristic and intense aromas of sweet spice and candy. There’s a very balanced element of toast from the French oak, adding complexity to the aromatic profile. On the palate the wine is balanced, with impressive body and a very long finish.
Technical Data
GRAPES: 100% Syrah
APPELLATION: Colchagua Valley
PH: 3.5
ACIDITY: 3.7 g/L
ABV: 15%
AGING: 80% of this wine was aged in new French oak barrels, and 20% in second-use French oak barrels, for 18 months.
Unique Selling Points
- First ultra-premium Syrah in Chile, recognised at the best Chilean Syrah
- Grapes grown in the steepest, highest slopes of our vineyards in Apalta, Colchagua
- Has more color, tannins and flavours, making it richly complex and powerful
- Grapes are hand-selected and sorted on special selection tables
- Aged in French oak barrels for 24 months
The story of Montes is a testament to what unique vision, grit, determination, and perseverance can achieve.
Aurelio Montes Jr, Chief Winemaker
About the Grape
Syrah
Syrah has seductively dense, rich, chewy black berry aromas and flavors, with notes of tar, wood smoke, bacon, leather, chocolate, and sometimes violets. The tannins are firm yet elegant.
