Folly Syrah

Montes Folly Syrah originates from Apalta, a subregion within Casablanca Valley on Chile's central coast, where Pacific fog and diurnal temperature swings define one of the Southern Hemisphere's most elegant cool-climate terroirs. The vineyard sits on decomposed granite soils with clay substructure, elevation around 300–400 meters, with morning maritime influence tempering afternoon heat—conditions that favor phenolic ripeness without overripeness.

The wine undergoes temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel, followed by 12 months in French oak (30% new), a restrained regime that preserves varietal character rather than imposing oak dominance. Malolactic fermentation occurs in barrel, softening acidity while retaining freshness. The name "Folly" references Montes' willingness to challenge conventional Chilean Syrah—favoring restraint and mineral tension over the riper, more extracted style that dominated the region in the 1990s.

The expression balances dark plum and black pepper aromatics with graphite minerality, a signature of Apalta's granite-derived soils. Tannins remain structured but fine-grained, acidity stays prominent, and alcohol sits in the 14–14.5% range—all markers of a wine designed for cellaring rather than immediate consumption.