At a glance

Producer

Montes

Region

Curicó Valley, Chile

Grape variety

Gewürztraminer

Wine type

Dessert

Body

Light-bodied and Delicate

Sweetness

Sweet

Typical price

$16-25 USD

Tasting profile

Lychee, rosewater, honeyed apricots, candied ginger, possibly dried fruit and caramel due to age. Delicate sweetness, mild acidity, light oily texture.

Evolution: Fresh tropical and floral notes have evolved to more honeyed, dried fruit and spice characters. Acidity has softened, palate may be rounder, less vibrant.

At peak: Peak would show vivid lychee, fresh white flowers, honey, and spice, balanced by bright acidity. Now, fresher elements have receded, more tertiary notes dominate.

Structure

Acidity

Medium to medium-high

Tannins

Very low (typical for white dessert wines)

Alcohol

Approx. 12% ABV

Aging potential

5-7 years from vintage in ideal conditions

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2014 to 2015

Optimal window

2013 to 2017

Current status

Approaching late maturity, drink soon

Current condition

Likely at or just past peak; tertiary notes developing; freshness may be fading

Montes Late Harvest Gewürztraminer is crafted for early to mid-term consumption, not for long-term aging. At 13 years from vintage, it is likely showing the tail end of its best period, with diminishing freshness and increased complexity from aged notes. The optimal window was 2014-2017 for best balance of freshness and sweetness.

Food pairing

Fruit tarts, blue cheeses, foie gras, almond desserts, or spicy Asian cuisine with sweet-acid balance.

Serving

Decant

Not required

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Water use efficiency, reduction of chemical inputs, biodiversity zones in vineyards, lightweight glass bottles, renewable energy pilot projects (since 2010s).

Montes has been a leader in Chilean sustainability, achieving national sustainability certification and implementing modern water and energy management. The 2011 vintage was produced under sustainability guidelines, though not with organic/biodynamic status. Packaging is eco-conscious. Non-local consumption increases carbon footprint due to distance, but overall compares favorably among large-scale producers. No evidence of organic certification for this specific wine, and glass recycling local infrastructure-dependent.