Montes – Outer Limits
The story of Chilean wine cannot be told without mentioning Viña Montes.
In 1987, Aurelio Montes and his partners decided to break away from the mass production typical of the wine region and introduce Chile's first seriously crafted premium wine. This was the Alpha Cabernet, and the rest is wine history.
In mid-April last year, we were invited to the estate and found ourselves in the midst of the beautiful Chilean autumn, right in the middle of the harvest season. The remote outpost of the estate is Zapallar, which also marks the frontier of Chilean wine production. To the north lies the desert, to the west the roaring ocean, and to the east towering mountain peaks. We are truly at the edge of the world, and the words ‘Outer Limits’ on the labels make perfect sense. Rows of Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir and Albariño grapes grow in orderly lines. The morning fog that rolls in protects these fragile varieties until the harvest.
We barely leave the vineyards behind before arriving at the shore of Zapallar, the Chilean Provence. A chiringuito, or beach bar, operates by the bay. Just a few metres from the tables, the restaurant's divers are fishing, while sea lions play in the water beside them. As the fog lifts, we even spot a dolphin. If anyone finds the intoxicating aromas of New World Sauvignon Blanc exaggerated, they only need to imagine this pulsating setting and everything falls into place. The Pinot Noir arrives in an ice bucket and frosted bottles circulate the table – this wine quenches one’s thirst even better than water.
OUTER LIMITS Sauvignon Blanc 2023
Manually-harvested in March, just 7 kilometres from the sea. Cold-soaked in ice-cooled tanks, followed by fermentation and 6-8 months of ageing in the same tanks. A silvery shine, resinous, youthful aromas. Tomato vine, citrus oil and grapefruit. The flavours arrive with a bold intensity – an endlessly rich and juicy wine.
OUTER LIMITS Pinot Noir 2022
Manually-harvested in March along the coast, just 7 kilometres from the ocean. After double grape selection, the destemmed Pinot Noir grapes undergo soaking in cold tanks, followed by fermentation in stainless steel tanks and concrete eggs. Aged for one year in French oak barrels before bottling. Bright red colour, with aromas of raspberry, strawberry, green herbs and violets. Subtly drying tannins and juicy fruitiness on the ethereal palate.
MONTESOuter Limits Sauvignon Blanc 2023
