Wines Unspecified Montes - Merlot - 2018

This 2018 bottle from Montes, crafted in the renowned Colchagua Valley of Chile, is introduced as a Merlot-based cuvée. The style is designated as “doux” and certified as “nature”, indicating a natural, likely low-intervention winemaking approach that preserves as much authenticity of grape and terroir as possible. While specifics on the exact blend proportions or vinification methods are not fully confirmed, Merlot from this region often produces wines in a plush, supple style, characterised by ripe berry fruit, gentle tannins, and a velvety texture. The potential doux nature suggests there could be a hint of sweetness or a particularly rich, ripe palate, resulting from late-harvested grapes or deliberate stylistic choice during winemaking.

The Colchagua Valley stands as one of Chile’s most celebrated wine regions, set within the country’s larger Central Valley. Sheltered by the Andes and influenced by the Pacific Ocean breezes, the climate brings both warmth for optimal grape ripening and significant diurnal shifts that preserve freshness and aromatic intensity. The soils are varied, including clay, granite, and alluvial deposits, which allow for profound character differentiation between parcels. The valley rapidly developed an international reputation in recent decades, not merely for robust reds such as Carmenère and Cabernet Sauvignon, but also for Merlot that expresses both fruit generosity and elegant structure.

For food pairings, a supple Chilean Merlot—especially one boasting a gentle sweetness and rich fruit—will shine alongside dishes with earthy or mildly spicy notes. Traditional pairings from the region include grilled pork with prune sauce, pastel de choclo (sweetcorn pie with beef and poultry), or even lamb empanadas. The touch of sweetness also makes such a wine a fine match for blue cheeses or glazed game. Roasted root vegetables or hearty mushroom dishes would also interplay beautifully with both the texture and the subtle fruit depth of the wine.

To enjoy this wine at its best, serve it slightly cool to accommodate its fruit-forward and possibly sweeter style—ideally between 14-16°C. This temperature enhances freshness while allowing the natural richness and complexity of the Colchagua terroir to express itself fully in the glass. Decanting for 30 minutes before serving is recommended, particularly for a natural wine, to allow it to open up and reveal its full aromatic profile.