Country: Chile  Region: Colchagua Valley  Vintage: 2019 Category: Red Wine  Colour: Red   Producer: Montes These wines are classic examples of matching the variety or blend to an area. The grape growers and winemakers are given 'carte blanche' to take outstanding fruit and come up with some wholly individual wines that are perfect expressions of their site. The Sauvignon Blanc, unoaked and pungent yet minerally, is from the Leyda Valley, a fantastic region for this variety owing its proximity to the sea moderating the climate. The Pinot Noir, scented and delicate, is from the Casablanca Valley, which is similarly cool. The long growing season gives wonderful tannins and an alluring perfume. The Colchagua Cabernet Sauvignon/Carmenere is from a warmer climate, several hours south of Santiago and inland. The warmth ensures ripe grapes and a wonderfully meshed fruit. Winemaker: Aurelio Montes Baseden Vineyards: All grapes come from Apalta in Colchagua Valley, arguably one of the finest sites for red wine grape growing in Chile. Vines are planted on 45° slopes providing good exposure which helps in achieving ripeness. As with other regions in Chile, the ocean plays a role even at 60km away, with 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. Vinification: The grapes were cold soaked at 10°C for five days to extract aroma and colour. After that, the grapes were fermented in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks for 12 days and then kept on their skins to give structure and colour. After malolactic fermentation, 47% of the final blend was aged in new French oak barrels for ten months to add complexity and roundness to the wine. Tasting Notes: This blend delivers a tremendous range of fruity aromas, ripe red and black berries with pronounced notes of cherries in syrup and black cherries. The French oak lends clear notes of vanilla and coffee that meld with the fruit to recall pastries and jam. Nicely balanced on the palate with silky tannins and a long finish. Food Suggestion: Pair with Mongolian beef, pork ribs, meaty spaghetti, lamb stew or risotto. Closure: Natural Cork  ABV: 13.5%  Acidity [g/l]: 5.3