Pale straw color; yellow apple, passionfruit, citrus, crushed stone on the nose; yellow and green apple, grapefruit, papaya, gooseberry, lemon, white fruit on the palate.
Dry; excellent cutting acidity (3.16 pH). Grapes picked at night, then taken straight to press. After 24 hours on the lees, it is racked and fermented at low temperature in stainless steel. Fresh, focused, clean. Simple wine, but becomes more interesting with air and time in glass—grassy elements emerge on the initial attack. Citrus, lemon, acidity throughout the taste experience. 13.5% ABV
Light-medium weight in the mouth. Pleasing, uncomplicated, food-friendly, superb acidity is major feature. Veramonte is quality Chilean maker of wonderfully affordable wines. You don’t get complexity and depth, but you do get outstanding value. Wine is 100% organically grown sauvignon blanc grapes from Casablanca Valley in Chile.
Winemaker notes: “Veramonte Vineyards is located at the beginning of the Casablanca Valley, at the foot of the Coast Range. The vineyards are surrounded by 2,500 hectares of native forests, receive the breezes and morning fogs that blow from the Pacific Ocean, make them moderate temperatures and give the ideal conditions for growing white varieties (Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay) and reds of cold weather (Pinot Noir, Merlot and Syrah).”
Veramonte emphasizes organic principles. Website notes: “We follow organic practices in all our estates to ensure the best conditions for the development of the vine, thus achieving vineyards that are sustainable in time. Through cultivating healthy, living soils and maintaining a natural balance in our vineyards and Winemaking process, we obtain quality grapes that express the full potential of the terroir, leading to wines with character, authentic and expressive.”
The website also notes their incorporation of animals in the vineyard: “Sheep and other animals help us cut grass in spring, air and minimize the compaction of our soils. In addition, they act as a natural fertilizer.” The vineyards also have biological corridors to preserve biodiversity and encourage a self-regulated ecosystem. Veramonte produces all its own compost, utilizing material from the winery and vineyards.
Veramonte Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2019 is green, tangy, brisk. Evolves into fleshier, more complex wine after some air exposure, especially presented in the mid-palate. Finish is tangy and medium length. Superb sauv blanc acidity, which lingers long after the flavor components have faded away. Works as an aperitif; pair with oysters and other shellfish; shrimp; white fish; garden salads; vegetarian fare; goat cheese. Terrific QPR (quality-price ratio). $9-12
Veramonte website, loads of interesting information
