Limited Selection Pinot Noir 2018
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Chile / Aconcagua Coast
The vineyards that produce the grapes for our Montes Limited Selection Pinot Noir are located in the Casablanca, Leyda and Zapallar Valleys, all of which can be found in the Aconcagua Wine Region. The grapes were handpicked into 22 – 26 lbs trays during the very early hours of the morning to keep the temperatures low and protect the aromas. Upon arriving at the winery, the bunches were carefully selected, destemmed, and submitted to a second selection of the berries. The grapes were gently dropped directly into open-top stainless steel tanks, where the whole berries underwent a 5-day pre-fermentation maceration at 45º F to very gently extract color and aromas.
Harvest Note
The 2017–18 season was characterized by a normal winter, with enough precipitation to last the vines until harvest. There was no severe spring frost to put the production objectives at risk. Both budburst and owering started with ample water in the soil, resulting in full canopies and good bunch integrity until harvest. The summer was very cool; more so than usual. Much of the summer saw cloudy, cool days with low diurnal temperatures. Only in April did the skies begin to clear after midday, which resulted in the harvest parameters we were looking for. Harvest began a little later than in 2017, due to the cooler weather, and the speed of ripening was slow, extending the harvest by almost 15 days compared to last year. The micro-climactic variability of the wine’s coastal zone vineyards accounts for its style, perfectly exemplified by a cool vintage like this one.
Tasting Note
Ruby red in color with lively touches. On the nose it’s very expressive, with intense, entertaining notes of sour cherry and fresh strawberry, against a oral, wild herb background. Smooth caramel aromas are well integrated with the varietal character. On the palate it’s balanced, with rich, natural acidity that makes it juicy and fresh. The rounded tannins give structure and a nice sensation of sweetness. With medium body and good staying power, the finish is fruity and in line with the sensations on the nose.
Technical Data
GRAPES: 100% Pinot Noir
APPELLATION: Colchagua Valley
PH: 3.5
ACIDITY: 3.53 g/L
ABV: 14%
AGING: 35% of the blend spent 6–7 months in contact with French oak; the rest remained in stainless steel tanks.
Unique Selling Points
- Premium wine recognised for being seductive, voluptuous, smooth and satisfying.
- Aged for 6-7 months in French oak barrels and stainless steel.
- Well balanced on the palate with rich natural acidity making it fresh and juicy.
- Vineyards located in Casablanca, Leyda and Zapallar Valleys, Aconcagua Wine Region.
The story of Montes is a testament to what unique vision, grit, determination, and perseverance can achieve.
Aurelio Montes Sr, Chief Winemaker
About the Grape
Pinot Noir
In France, makes a silky, deceptively powerful wine of elegant, complex aromas and subtle, red fruit flavors, with earthy, floral, mushroom and mineral notes. In California, shows ripe, sweet characters.
