Montgras Handcrafted 5 Rare Carignan

Montgras is an innovator. They never stand still. Since their founding in 1993, they have continuously shaken up the world of wine. In addition to their varietal collections, which have never disappointed, they continually surprise us with new gems. With their 30th anniversary approaching, Montgras has decided to launch an outstanding series of wines: Montgras Handcrafted. Five different wines, made by five different winemakers, from five different grape varieties. They have given each winemaker the creative freedom to create a magnificent example.

The Chilean wines of Montgras

For the Montgras Handcrafted 5 Rare Carignan, the latest in this impressive series, Montgras has chosen the exceptionally talented Carla Bosque. She is passionate about Chilean viticulture and wanted to create a wine with a grape not typically found in Chilean wines. This offers a glimpse into the extraordinary potential Chile has to offer as a wine country. Although Montgras considers the Calchagua Valley its home, the Carignan grapes come from San Javier, located in the Maule Valley. Here, Montgras has a very special vineyard. The vineyard is located in the Melozal region, near San Javier. Here, Montgras has acquired a vineyard that surpasses the imagination. The vines are planted as "bush vines," which means they resemble shrubs. This allows the grapes to better withstand the heat, as they are protected by the leaves on top. Some vines were planted as early as 1958, making the grapes over sixty years old. The yield is remarkably low, but the quality is astronomical.

Buy Montgras Handcrafted 5 Rare Carignan wine

Because the climate in Maule Vallye is similar to that of the Mediterranean, the harvest begins quite early, often in the first week of March. After the hand-picking, the wine is fermented. Then, the precious juice of Montgras Handcrafted 5 Rare Carignan is transferred to large French oak barrels. Only after 12 months of aging does Carla Bosque approve bottling. The result? A typical Carignan that truly showcases the grape's power: Morello cherries, blackcurrant, and Mediterranean herbs enveloped by a hint of oak and vanilla. An exceptionally complex wine of which only 3,200 bottles were produced.