Country: Chile Region: Leyda ValleyVarietal: Sauvignon BlancVintage: 2017 Colour: White Style: DryProducer: Montes The Montes Spring Harvest is one of the first Sauvignon Blancs from 2017 to arrive in Ireland. WINERY OVERVIEWA winery like no other, Montes has driven Chile’s ultra-premium wine image from the outset. Since 1988 founder Aurelio Montes and his partners have captivated us with wines of the highest quality and singular design, setting a global standard to follow. Montes Winery brings Chile’s most unique vineyard sites to life capturing their expression through disciplined winemaking, modern technology, and meticulous attention to detail. WINEMAKER PROFILEAurelio Montes, Founder & Chief WinemakerA true vanguard of Chilean winemaking, Aurelio Montes’ greatest strengths lie in a profound understanding of terroir and a willingness to push boundaries in a lifelong pursuit of quality. One of the first to realize the untapped potential of Apalta, Montes pioneered high altitude planting before it was the norm. Dubbed “Montes’ folly” when he first planted Syrah on steep hillside slopes, he turned the resulting wine into a global icon and has never looked back. An equally accomplished vine grower and winemaker, Montes has won critical acclaim worldwide for his exuberant wines. A father of five, Montes is an avid pilot, sailor and equestrian. Ageing Potential: 1-3 YearsTasting Note: The team at Montes take advantage of vineyard managementand techniques used in this part of the coastal Leyda Valleywhich allow them to harvest this Sauvignon Blanc 21 days earlierthan normal. This year the grapes were harvested between 20thand 27th February.The valley has exceptional luminosity from mid-mornings until lateeveningswhich allows for great physiological development,creating grapes with distinctive flavours and natural acidity. Yieldsare kept low, which helps ventilation, and therefore the health ofthe vine, as well as contributing to the earlier ripening of the fruit.Canopy management is key, with leaf-pulling from the centre ofthe canopy helping to moderate temperatures and allowingindirect sunlight to reach the bunches and ripen the berries.As their first release from the 2017 vintage it is a superbly fresh,luminous Sauvignon. The nose delivers exuberant peaches, citrusand orange blossom. A clean, fresh palate with delicate lemonand lime notes, feather light texture and a juicy, lingering finish.Food match ideas: sushi, ceviche, Caesar salad, lemon chicken,pasta primavera.