Monte Xanic, “Flower which blooms after the first rain”

Monte Xanic

Proudly Mexican, this brand is well positioned in the Premium market, producing wines of consistent quality.
“Xanic” name is originated from the Cora Indians, that continue to inhabit parts of Nayarit (the state where i was born, soon will talk about it) on México´s Pacific Coast and it means “Flower which blooms after the first rain”

20 years have passed since Monte Xanic started producing wines in a time where many others were closing their doors for the flood of low cost wines and modest quality. This winery took the challenge and yes they really took it to the next level!!

The Guadalupe Valley is located 30km south of the border with the US. The Vineyard´s distance from the coast is between 15 and 20 km. The Vines are at altitudes between 300 and 400 meters above the sea level, so the proximity to the Pacific Ocean provides humid currents that result in a micro climate in the valley.  Today, the Guadalupe valley is México´s most prestigious wine region and home to many of the top wines of México.
The character of this land defines the style of their wines; the Bordelaise varietals express the terroir of this valley with distinction and finesse.

The main varietals on Monte Xanic´s property are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Petit Verdot, Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon. They also produce wines with varietals from other regions such as Chenin Blanc, Syrah and Chardonnay.

Monte Xanic are pioneers in process and technology, they use the most advanced technology to create the ideal conditions for pressing, fermenting, aging and bottling.

Their field technology is all about Yield control, night harvest, continuos leaf pruning, constant vine renovation, introduction of root system and ideal clones for the Guadalupe Valley, Optimized irrigation through humidity sensors in the ground and vine protection using nets.

Their manufacturing technology is: low pressure “bladder”presses, Roto-fermentors, traditional tanks and temperature controlled immersion tanks “Tanknet” for the fermentation and storage, 3000 barrel cellar with optimal natural conditions of temperature and humidity, network of pipes for gravity induced filling French Oak barrels from the forest of Alliers and Nevers and bottling in aseptic environment further enhanced by microbiological analysis.

I haven’t tried all their wines, but i´ll talk about each one of them according to some wine notes i got from here and there. What i can say is that from the ones i tried, my favorites are Gran Ricardo (but of course! i have a taste for the best things in life!) and their Limited edition of Malbec. From the white ones, i like Viña Krystel Sauvignon Blanc.

Calixa
From the Nahuatl word Cali that means “house” Calixa means “From the House of Xanic”
This are wines with a  good quality-price ratio.

Calixa Cabernet Sauvignon: With 18 months in French Oak Barrels, this Cab has a touch of Blackberries and black Cherries with undertones of fine Oaks and a touch of dark Chocolate.

Calixa Grenache Rosé: this wine has a partial fermentation in stainless steel tanks with partial maceration. It has a salmon pink color with streaks of copper. It has a delicious red cherry bouquet, wild strawberries and grapefruit. It´s a very fresh and vivacious wine that pairs great with spring rolls, crab cakes, sea food, Paella, etc.

Monte Xanic
This line has wines with great character and complexity that evolve with time.

Monte Xanic Cabernet Sauvignon:  18 Months in French Oak barrels. It´s a wine with medium complexity with aromas of black cherries and Plums and undertones of fine Oaks and a touch of dark chocolate.  It pairs good wieh grilled beef and aged cheeses. Better if decanted.

Monte Xanic Cabernet-Merlot : Intense dark red color, a wine with notable “legs”, it is an intense wine with complex aromas of blackberries and cherries with undertones of Cedar and chocolate. It has a prolonged, long lasting taste and it pairs great with red meats, lamb, semi-aged hard cheeses and Mexican food that contain dried chilies, like Mole, Adobo, Pipian, Chile Colorado, etc.

Monte Xanic Merlot: This is a wine with brilliant, deep red color with orange tones. It has a great intensity of aromas like strawberries, wood, toasted coffee and chocolate. It´s a wine with great character and intensity that has a long end of smoky notes. It pairs great with red meats, roast duck and aged cheeses.

Monte Xanic Viña Krystel Sauvignon Blanc:  this wine is aged for 21 days in French Oak barrels, it has a golden yellow brilliant color and aromas of citrus, pineapple and toast. A very harmonic balance of fine Oak, fruits and the perfect acidity that pairs great with sea food, fish, fresh oysters, crab or white meats.

Monte Xanic Chenin Colombard: This wine has no aging and it has a brilliant yellow color. The bouquet reminds citrus fruits with a touch of honey and flowers. It´s a very refreshing and live wine on the palate that has a perfect fruity end. It is great to pair with salads, sea food cocktails and creamy cheeses or chicken dishes.

Monte Xanic Chardonnay: It goes through a partial fermentation in stainless steel tanks, and then it´s aged for 8 months in 1/3 new barrels, 1/3 once used barrels and 1/3 twice used barrles. It has a nice straw color with brilliant tones and a potent bouquet of citrus fruits, grapefruit and newly cut hay but in the back the buttery aroma persists. It´s a wine with intense palate of notes of dried fruits and a long end. This splendid Chardonnay pairs perfect with fish with creamy sauces, veal, chicken and pork.

Monte Xanic Chenin Blanc: A wine of late harvest grapes fermented in stainless steel tanks; Golden yellow color. A full body wine with a bouquet of apple, white flowers and honey. A very cheerful wine with a perfect balance of acidity and smooth sweetness. It pairs marvelously with fruit cocktails, shrimps, coconut crusted shrimps, sweet and sour sauces, blue cheese or a dessert.

Hans Backhoff Limited Edition Wines are the signature wines of their winemaker, Hans Backhoff. A man that is always in the research and development of the enology and this are the result of experimenting with varietals that are uncommon in the Guadalupe Valley.

2005 Syrah, Limited Edition: This wine is aged for 16 months in new French Oak barrels. It has a deep dark color with an intense plum and cherry bouquet that has spicy and smoky undertones. It has a firm structure of tannins and spicy notes. It pairs well with lamb or long aged cheeses. A wine to decant and enjoy.

Malbec Limited Edition: A harvest of the best selection of Malbec grapes and an 18months fermentation process in French Oak barrels give this wine a deep carmine color. Richly concentrated berries (currant, plum and blackberry) with a very delicate notes of licorice and toasted coffee. A round, complex wine with an elegant, memorable end that pairs great with grilled meats, semi-cured cheeses and roasted turkey.

Gran Ricardo is one of the finest ultra premium wine, produced in honor of the memory of Richard Hojel, founder and partner of Monte Xanic. This wine represents the best of their vineyards.
50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Cabernet Franc, 25% Merlot; resting for 18 months in new French oak barrels and 24 months in the bottle. The production is limited to 500 cases of 750ml bottles and 900 magnums (1.5lt)
This is a wine with a deep red color, with a complex bouquet of confited fruits, black cherries, ripe berries, black currant, vanilla, wood, dark chocolate and tobacco. It´s a wine with firm structure, strong, ripe tannins and a very harmonious lingering, firm  taste on the palate.  It pairs perfect with beef, rack of lamb, mild cheeses.

In this times of re-thinking about our past decisions and specially, times for challenges, we have to take example of Monte Xanic, a winery that took the challenge 20 years ago to do something that others were not willing to do and believe and now they are one of the most recognized wineries in México.

This is an example of what perseverance, constant quality and vision can do!

Happy Easter to all of you.

Salud…y Viva México!!