Classic Malbec 2022
Trade Tools
Chile / Colchagua Valley
This Malbec is sourced primarily from Montes' Finca Apalta Estate vineyard with some additions from their Marchigüe Estate vineyard. These two unique vineyards feature granite-rich soils in differing degrees of decomposition. Both have considerable variation in the clay content, depth, and organic matter from the influence of erosion and deposits from local rivers over time. The soils are generally deep in the flat areas and thinner at the foot of the mountains and at higher elevations.
Harvest Note
The 2019–2020 season saw a very dry winter, just as Chile has had for various years now. The low availability of water explains the very significant drop in production yields (approximately 15–20%) impacting the final quality of the wines. Spring was free of significant frosts in the Colchagua vineyards, so there was excellent growing conditions. Summer had high temperatures that accelerated the ripening processes of the grapes, resulting in an earlier harvest date for the white and red grapes 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 concentration of aromas, flavors, and color, in the case of the red grapes, creating very high quality for processing. Both the Apalta and Marchigüe vineyards had timely and organized harvests, defined as always by a tasting of the berries, which allowed winemakers to positively project how the resulting wines will be.
Tasting Note
Deep violet in color, it boasts aromas of cranberry, blackberry, and black plum followed by notes of nutmeg, and toast. Silky and broad on the palate, it is nicely balanced.
Technical Data
GRAPES: 100% Malbec
APPELLATION: Colchagua Valley
PH: 3.6
ACIDITY: 3.4 g/l
ABV: 14.5%
AGING: 45% of the wine was aged for 8 months in French oak barrels
Unique Selling Points
- Represents the outstanding value Chile can offer for everyday drinking.
- Grapes are handpicked and transported to the winery with the utmost care.
- 45% aged in French oak barrels for 8 months.
- Well-balanced acidity, medium body, and incredibly smooth tannins.
- Vineyards located in Apalta and Marchigüe, Colchagua Valley.
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
Malbec
Well-made Malbec is a dark, perfumed wine with rich, blackberry and damson plum fruit, aromas of violets and tobacco, and ripe, juicy tannins. In France, may be mineral, structured and austere.
