Alpha Merlot 2020
Trade Tools
Chile / Colchagua Valley
Montes Alpha Merlot was made with selected grapes from vineyards in the Colchagua Valley. This vineyard uses the Water Saving Wine growing method developed by Aurelio Montes and his team as the result of years of research that enabled them to determine the precise amount of water we need to supplement after the winter rains, especially in years with low rainfall, when irrigation is indispensable. This has enabled us to reduce the amount of irrigation used by 65% while simultaneously improving the quality of the fruit.
92 Points
jamessuckling.com
2020 vintage
Harvest Note
The 2019–2020 season saw a very dry winter. The low availability of water explains the very significant drop in production yields. Spring was free of significant frost in the Colchagua vineyards, so there were excellent growing conditions. Summer had high temperatures that accelerated the ripening processes of the grapes, resulting in a harvest date for both white and red grapes that was moved forward by almost a month in some cases. The low fruit charge in the vineyards meant that bunches at harvest time had small grapes, positively affecting the red grapes' concentration of aromas and color, providing very high quality for processing. Both the Apalta and Marchigüe vineyards had timely and methodical harvests, decided as always by tasting the berries, which allowed winemakers to project positively how the resulting wines would be.
Tasting Note
Aromas of red and black plum, blackberry and strawberry followed by notes of sweet spice and a subtle hint of fresh mint
Technical Data
GRAPES: 90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc
PH: 3.51
ACIDITY: 3.68 g/l
ABV: 14.5%
AGING: 55% of the wine aged for 12 months in first-, second-, and third-use French oak barrels.
Unique Selling Points
- Unique blend of granite soil types from Apalta and Marchigϋe.
- Distinct varietal character and generous body make this an exceptional value
The story of Montes is a testament to what unique vision, grit, determination, and perseverance can achieve.
Aurelio Montes Sr, Chief Winemaker
About the Grape
Merlot
Merlot makes plump, succulent wines to drink young or opulently massive wines for aging. Has silky, blackberry and currant fruit, with spice, earth, tobacco and chocolate notes, and soft tannins.
