Source: WineSur.com
By: Laura Saieg
03.05.2013
Marcelo Pelleriti, Senior Wine Consultant at Algodon Wine Estates and winemaker at Monteviejo winery, was distinguished with the top score for his wine Chateau La Violette 2010, a Merlot made in Pomerol, where he has been working since 2001.
Marcello Pelleriti is a rock star, not only for being an excellent musician but also for being in charge of two important companies standing out day by day in the world scene. In this opportunity, it was the turn of his French wines, from a chateau owned by Catherine-Pére Vergé, who is also the owner of Monteviejo winery, in Mendoza.
Chateau La Violette 2010, a Merlot made in Pomerol, received 100 points from Parker, whereas Chateau Legay 2010, made in the estate giving it its name, obtained 99 points. Two recognitions for Marcelo Pelleriti, winemaker at this chateau for over 12 years.
As regards this recognition, the winemaker said that he has not grasped it yet; however, “it is the show of many years of work, done by me and Catherine-Pére Vergé, who bet on Pomerol, Chateau, and me.”
In addition, “To work in France, beyond what it means professionally, it entails a great effort from me, as I spend more than three months away from my family, my wife and children. However, this recognition is a proof of efforts, work and apprenticeship.”
Some details behind these wines
To Marcelo, the success of these products lies in each of the vineyards and the work done on micro-vinification.
In the case of Chateau La Violette, the winemaker commented that it comes from 1.7 hectares of very old vineyards cultivated with Merlot grapes, which have a very low production and suffered from diseases typical of their age, “they are wise lands”. “They give birth to very intense wines, boasting an excellent density, elegance, with floral, fruity and mineral characteristics. It is a wine that invites you to reflect, making you realize the potentiality and perfection a wine can reach.”
Likewise, he pointed out that both Malbec and Cabernet Franc are grapes exclusive to this site, with an exceptional work on terroir.
Another key to the success of this wine is that 2010 was an astounding year, which gave wines almost perfect, and Merlot achieved its top potentiality in this region.
The grapes used to make this example are hand-picked, stay and fermented in barrels. Besides, micro-vinifications of these wines are carried out and only 4,500 bottles are produced. “Chateau La Violette was bottled six months ago, but we do not know yet when it will be on the market”, explained the winemaker.
In relation to the price, before being bottled, it was priced at 150 euros. But, today it can be sold for 300 euros. The 2008 vintage of this wine got 98 Parker, whereas its 2009 vintage scored 98+.
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