# Outer Limits Syrah (2021)

- **Producer:** Montes
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Syrah
- **Region:** Aconcagua Valley, Chile
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.0%
- **Average price:** €25
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 14–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** ripe fruit, black plum, black cherry, black pepper, blueberry, smoky oak

## About this wine

The Montes Outer Limits Syrah 2021 originates from the Zapallar sub-region within Chile's Aconcagua Costa D.O. Montes, a winery established in 1988 with a vision for producing top-tier Chilean wines, pioneered the planting of vines in this unique coastal terroir. The Zapallar region, situated between 7 and 13 kilometers from the Pacific Ocean, benefits from a climate influenced by the sea, with warm, sunny days and cooler nights. This coastal environment, coupled with granitic-clay soils, shapes the character of the Syrah grapes. The 2021 vintage experienced a delayed harvest due to cooler summer temperatures, with viticultural practices focused on ensuring optimal ripening and grape quality.

## Interesting facts

- Montes was the first winery to plant Syrah in the Zapallar coastal region.
- Vines are planted just 7-13 km from the Pacific Ocean.
- Yields are intentionally kept very low, producing only about 2,800 bottles.
- This wine earned a Gold medal at the Decanter World Wide Awards.

## Food pairing

The wine's full body and firm tannins are well-suited to complement the richness of proteins like lamb, beef, and game. The vibrant acidity cuts through the fattiness of dishes like duck confit and veal, while the peppery notes in the wine can echo herbs and spices used in the preparation.

## Wine making process

The Montes Outer Limits Syrah 2021 begins with hand-harvested grapes, collected in small, refrigerated containers to maintain freshness. Fermentation occurs in a combination of concrete eggs and stainless steel tanks, allowing for precise control over the process. Following fermentation, the wine is aged for five months, with 55% maturing in 3rd-use French oak barrels and 45% in concrete eggs. This aging regimen aims to integrate the wine's fruit characteristics with subtle oak nuances and textural complexity.