Limited Selection Pinot Noir 2017
Trade Tools
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 2016–17 season could be summed up as being intense. In terms of water availability, the winter was slightly drier than previous years. During spring there was some frost in the colder parts of the coastal valleys — some lasting four days — which affected the development of buds, shoots, and consequently bunches to a certain extent. This, combined with the lack of rain, reduced fruit set and therefore yields. The summer was rather warmer than the previous year’s, reaching record temperatures in some valleys in the central zone, but only slightly affecting the ripening of grapes in the coastal valleys, with an early increase in sugar but without a significant drop in natural acidity thus maintaining low pH levels. Skilled canopy management allowed us to extend ripening, preserving aromas and acidity until harvest. The season surprised us with its homogeneity of ripening, compared to previous years. Veraison was even and at harvest, Montes was able to plan the block schedule well in advance, the crop showing very good indicators of a long-lived wine.
Tasting Note
This Pinot Noir is a classic color for the variety: ruby red or ‘pigeon blood’, and very bright! On the nose it has medium aromatic intensity, and is initially rather shy. Then the fruit and elegance gained from time in French oak emerge and make their presence known. The aromas move on to fresh red and black fruit such as cherry, blackberry, and prune, then, to notes of tobacco, vanilla, smoke, and caramel. On the palate it’s smooth and elegant, with rich acidity,sensations that remain long on the finish.
Technical Data
GRAPES: 100% Pinot Noir
APPELLATION: Colchagua Valley
PH: 3.49
ACIDITY: 3.5 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.
