Montes Vineyards and Chilean Earthquake

Montes reports minimal damages as a result of the recent earthquake:

Santiago, Chile; March 4, 2010

Along with most Chilean wineries, Montes S.A. suffered a test to its facilities in the recent earthquake. However, after a thorough evaluation of damages, Montes is pleased to report minimal losses. While the main winery in Apalta suffered more than Curicó and Chimbarongo, its foundation is structurally sound and the team is planning to clean up and proceed with harvest as originally scheduled.

Despite a loss of some wine intended for future bottlings, Montes remaining supply is in high quality condition. They consider these controllable losses that have no negative effect on sales dispatches now or in the future. With harvest around the corner, at least 40% of the tanks were empty and ready so the inventory was low for seasonal reasons. With equipment and bottling lines 100% operative, Montes has resumed operations and expects to handle normal demands with ease now that the energy supply has returned.

Last but certainly not least, all Montes staff and families are safe and sound. Kaiken, in Mendoza (Argentina) only had a smaller quake and sustained no damage.

The Montes team is in high spirits, eager and ready to return to their normal routine at the winery.

Montes Winery Exhibits Class at SFMOMA

Montes, the Chilean Winery who produced a few wines reviewed by this blog has been chosen to represent Chile at the Terroir Gallery of the landmark exhibition How Wine Became Modern at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. Specifically, the wine chosen was the Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine, along with a soil sample from Montes’ Apalta Estate in Chile’s Colchagua Valley, is featured in this exhibit exploring the visual culture of wine and its stunning transformation over the last three decades. The exhibit showcases 18 renowned vineyard sites from around the world. Each profile includes a soil sample, live weather information, climate graph, bottle of wine, information on the varietal, soil type and depth, altitude, location, and a quote from each winemaker expressing his/her understanding of 'terroir.'

The exhibit is from November 20, 2010 - April 17, 2011.

artiCHoke CHicken CHardonnay CHile

Here is Montes Classic Series Chardonnay in a 2007 vintage, from Curico Valley in Chile. Fermented in 75% American Oak and 25% stainless steel with colors of pale golden green, and scents of buttery pineapple and tropical fruits. On the palate is a fresh fruitiness (some lychee and ginger) mixed with vanilla ice cream.

While I watch Game 1 of the World Series I'm pairing this Chard with grilled breast of chicken, artichoke hearts and couscous with pesto sauce. Damn good... and $12 a bottle.

©2008 photo by Dave Trieger

Montes, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2007, Classic Series, Chile

From the Colchagua Valley in Chile comes this playful Cabernet Sauvignon... it's a deep colorful wine, (literally and figuratively) and I found myself enjoying it more as it breathed.

The color is a dark ruby, and fruity aromas prevail with a wisp of smoked bacon, probably from the American oak, caramel, and a hint of tree bark. Flavors of chocolate mint, spices and red berries dance on the palate. The firm tannins mean you can lay down a few bottles for a couple of years, or you can just drink it now. The alcohol content is 14.5% but doesn't overpower the great flavor profile. This is a bargain at around $12 per bottle.

Another sign that Chile is on the right track.

©2008 photo by Dave Trieger

10 WINES FOR THANKSGIVING

Montes Classic Series Chardonnay 2007
Curico Valley, Chile

Badger Mountain Reisling,
Washington state

Lenz Gewurztraminer 2005
Estate Bottled, Long Island

Primus Casablanca Valley 2005
Chile

Arnaldo-Caprai Sagrantino Di Montefalco 2003 DOCG
Italy

Cote De Loach Zinfandel 2006
California

Chateau Mas Neuf Costieres de Nimes Tradition Red 2006
France

Bigi Vipra Rosa 2007
Rosso dell’Umbria IGT, Italy

Lirac Domaine Du Joncier 2005
France

Halter Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
Paso Robles Estate Bottled, California

Pago de Vallegarcia Hipperia 2009

Pago de Vallegarcia is found in a part of Spain's "Montes de Toledo" a forest terroir near the Cabaneros National Park. Skewed toward the French Bordeaux style, Pago de Vallegarcia produces their 2009 Hipperia with a blend of 47% Merlot, 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc. After initial fermentation and maceration it is aged for 18 months in French oak barrels and 18 months in bottle.

Dark cherry colors in the glass, bold aromas of red berry, blue fruits, fresh herbs and balsamic with a palate displaying violets, blueberry, cassis, licorice,  eucalyptus, mint and a mild smokiness.  Nicely balanced with strong tannins, and a long finish. 14.5% alcohol and SRP of $29.99.

Sampled at Spain's Great Match WINEFOODDESIGN at Metropolitan Pavilion on October 24, 2012.