Country: Chile  Region: Aconcagua Valley Varietal: Sparkling (non-Champagne style)  Vintage: NV Category: Sparkling White  Color:  White Producer: Montes "Adding the Montes wines to our portfolio in 2015 was the realisation of a long-held ambition, after many years of admiring what Aurelio Montes was achieving in Chile. Taste the wines and find out why we feel that way. The Sauvignon Blancs are lifted and fresh, their varietal character derived from growing the grapes in the right place and picking them when they are ripe and not, as many in Chile seem to do, by picking them green in order to ensure an herbaceous character which displays what they think is the mark of the varietal. The Merlots, Malbecs and Cabernets have lovely colour, intensity and definition, and supple tannins. This is rare in Chile. So how do they do it? Not surprisingly, in the vineyard. They learned, when they started producing Montes Alpha in 1987, that they needed balanced yields and to harvest when the grapes were ripe. They adapted these practices to all their vineyards and the results are startling. Montes' own vineyards cover 75% of their requirements. The other 25% of fruit is produced on vineyards they have planted, cultivated and picked. In other words, they control everything except the ownership of the land. In addition to this control over the vineyard, they also sell in bulk what is not good enough to go into the bottles that carry their label. Having made the selection in the vineyard, they are able to make a further selection in the winery. The results are there for you to taste." Winemaker: Aurelio Montes Vineyards: The Zapallar vineyard, where grapes for Montes Brut are grown, is located on the coast 180 kilometres northwest of Santiago, with a pronounced maritime influence. Cold breezes from the Pacific Ocean create ideal temperatures for cultivating grapes of character and elegance. The relative proximity of the Andes Mountains influences night-time temperatures, which are even lower than in other coastal zones. The relative humidity is high throughout the season, and annual rainfall is 340-380 mm. The average high temperature is 25ºC and the average low is 12ºC. Regular morning fogs disappear with the midday sun, with afternoon winds helping control growth and develop concentration in the grapes. Vinification: The base wine for the Brut was made with whole cluster pressing, clarification and cold fermentation at 10-12ºC. No oak or malolactic fermentation took place. Montes Brut was created using the traditional method, spending 36 months ageing on lees before disgorgement. Tasting Notes: The wine is bright straw-yellow in colour with a slightly golden tone. On the nose white flowers, fresh fruits and breadcrumbs combine with a subtle hazelnut aroma. The palate is well balanced with good acidity and a fine, crisp mousse. It is silky on the mid-palate with a fresh, fruity and persistent finish. Food Suggestion: An ideal match with razorback clams, parmesan cheese, Chilean sea bass or salmon ceviche. Closure: Natural Cork  ABV:12%  Acidity [g/l]: 7.2