While, traditionally the Old World Countries don’t put the name of the grape variety on the label, it is one of the distinguishing characteristics of the New World Countries which on top of that have adopted signature grapes that over decades have proven to be best adapted on the local soil, therefore Chile is Carmenere, New Zealand is Sauvignon Blanc and South Africa is Pinotage.
This by no means discriminates other grapes; quite on the contrary, often for different reasons other varieties are more commonly planted or produce equally extraordinary quality.
I recall a wine tasting event a year or so back where I discovered excellent Chilean Syrah rosé from Limarí Valley, more known as a Pisco region. Incredibly mineral and aromatic wine, with quite a body. Since then I had been looking to reconfirm this discovery to see whether it’s just an exception or Chile really nails the Syrah rosé.
It took a trip to Chile to find the next one. It was late autumn and the sun was already particularly generous. On an early afternoon I arrived to Viña Montes in the Apalta Valley in the heart of Colchagua Valley (some call it Coolchagua because of the famed wineries based there). A garden-like valley, cut through by the Tinguiririca River and zigzagged by long lines of trees, gives a notion of complete peace and blissfulness to the place. The winery is beautifully situated with vines planted both on the plain and the steep slopes of Divisadero Hill. And … they make a Syrah rosé there.
The tour started with a short trip in a van. As we set off, to my joy I noticed that the guide brought a box of wine glasses and a bottle of a well chilled rosé, that had been bottled just weeks earlier. We slowly drove high up a slope across the top vineyards, which due to very steep 45-degree angle require acrobatic skills to be harvested, to a roofed wooden deck which affords a marvellous view of the valley. I can’t say to what extent the thirst contributed to my sensory evaluation of this wine but this rosé was the proverbial cherry on top of the cake of this precise moment. Dry, fresh and vibrant with seductive cherry and strawberry nose; bursting with lively acidity and a good structure, it showed off some spicy and mineral hints. All of it dressed in a brilliant, deep and intense pink colour.
As for the winery itself, there are several features that make it quite exceptional. First of all, the design according to the principles of Feng Shui respecting harmony between metal, wood and other materials with a large cylinder stone with water overflowing from it as the winery’s centre of energy. The angel adopted as the logo, is the symbol introduced by one of the partners who, according to our guide, cheated death twice, and had a strong belief in guardian angels.
There is yet another - metaphysical aspect. The barrel room. Long, semi circular, slightly reminding of an ancient theatre with barrels being the spectators sitting on the steps facing the glazed orchestra - tasting room. This unusual audience, which has a lot of spare time, is kept entertained or focused by Gregorian chants. Supposedly that’s the key to better wine maturing. I’m not an expert on that, but the quality of the wine bears witness to how well it works.
Other Chilean rosé to try:
- Maycas de Limarí Syrah Rosé Reserva
- Casa Tamaya Pink Goat Rosé
Quick facts
- Winery: Montes Premium Wines
- Region: Apalta Valley, Colchagua Valley, Chile
- Year founded: 1988
- Area under vine: approx. 740ha
- Principal grape varieties : Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, Carmenere, Pinot Noir, Malbec, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc
- Wines produced: Red, White, Rosé, Late harvest
Flagship wine: Montes Alhpa M
Interesting article. I´ll learn a lot reading this blog!!!Thanks,dziękuję bardzo!
ReplyDeleteDziękuję bardzo Eli. Fuerte abrazo.
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