Folly 2018
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 winter of 2017 was welcome and beneficial in terms of precipitation, considering it followed five dry years. The Colchagua Valley received more than 19 inches of rain, which helped delay the need for irrigation until November and in places, December, rather than starting in October, as has been the case in previous years. This means we will have enough water to last us the whole season. Spring saw some minor frosts. The cool temperatures lasted through mid-November, which delayed the onset of bud break and flowering by a few weeks. Summer temperatures were moderate, without the extremes of the previous season. January's average temperature was 82ºF, and in February, high temperatures during the day were followed by cool nights, which aided uniform ripening and the development of good aromas, colors, and tannins. The weather has resulted in very healthy fruit and canopies. Overall, the grapes are coming along exceptionally well. Canopies and fruit are excellently balanced and the grapes have fine flavors. They still need to ripen a bit more, but so far, they are doing very well. This year we expect yields to be 5–8% higher than normal, with smaller, concentrated grapes – an indication of a high-quality vintage. We are eagerly awaiting both the white and red wines and believe we are looking at a good year.
Tasting Note
This new vintage of Montes Folly, maintains the depth of color 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: 5.55 g/l
ABV: 15.5%
AGING: 80% of components of this wine have been matured in new barrels and 20% in barrels of second use for 18 months. All oak type French.
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.
