Country: Chile  Region: Colchagua Valley  Vintage: 2015 Category: Sweet White  Colour: White  Varietal: Sweet Producer: Montes   37.5 cl  "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 Baseden Vineyards: The Gewürztraminer grapes for the Late Harvest blend were sourced entirely from the Curico Valley. Curico's mediterranean climate is a result of the vines being shielded from the Pacific Ocean by the Coastal Range. Fruit from here is riper in comparison to the cooler climate regions in Chile, but is still able to retain freshness due to cool nights. All grapes were hand harvested. Vinification: Fruit was harvested by hand before being directly pressed as whole clusters. Fermentation occurred in stainless steel tanks to preserve the delicate varietal aromas and aromatics. Once grapes had reached the desired level of sugar, the ferment was stopped using low temperature control measures. Tasting Notes: A deep, bright golden colour. Potent, complex nose with clear notes of honey, ripe cherries and Sultana raisins all mingled with intriguing chamomile flower aromas. The palate has great volume and an attractive acidity that lingers on the finish. Closure: Natural Cork  ABV:12%  Acidity [g/l]: 3.79