Montes Outer Limits Zapallar Pinot Noir

Montes was established in 1988 by Aurelio Montes, Douglas Murray, Alfredo Vidaurre and Pedro Grand, with the aim to produce the best wines in Chile from the best regions. We have long admired Montes and what they have done for Chilean wine over the past 25 years. Their wines are consistently good because they are meticulous throughout the entire production process. The Outer Limits wines were born out of Aurelio Montes' desire to push Chilean viticulture in a new direction. The 45 hectare Zapallar Vineyard in the Aconcagua Valley was Montes' first venture into the 'outer limits'. Due to the balance and concentration in the Outer Limits wines, they can be enjoyed now or allowed to age for a few years, rewarding with a wonderfully complex bouquet.

Pinot Noir,

Grapes come from a single vineyard in Zapallar located seven kilometres from the coast in Aconcagua and situated 150 metres above sea level. Montes was the first producer to plant vines and make wines here. Due to the cool climate, similar to other cool coastal regions in Chile, the wines have racy acidity, minerality, elegance and distinct aromatics.

The grapes were hand-picked into 10kg trays to preserve the quality and aromas of the berries. The grapes were then cold soaked at 8°C for five days to extract aroma and colour, especially important for thin-skinned Pinot Noir. After that, the grapes were fermented for seven days at controlled temperatures of 25°C and then kept on their skins to give structure and colour for another 20 days. After malolactic fermentation, 50% of the wine was aged in French oak barrels (30% new and 20% third-use), while the remaining 50% was aged in concrete tanks, for 10-12 months.

This wine is bright ruby red in colour, with aromas of fresh raspberry, strawberry and pomegranite as well as cherry syrup. There are notes of damp earth, herbs and flowers. The notes from the French oak are subtle, allowing the fruitiness to remain front and centre. The wine is light-bodied on the palate with rounded tannins and an elegant structure.