Classic Merlot 2022
Trade Tools
Chile / Colchagua Valley
The Montes Classic Merlot hails from some of the finest growing sites in Chile's Central Valley, predominantly the Colchagua Valley sub-region, at Montes' Apalta and El Arcángel de Marchigüe estates. The more extreme conditions in the Marchigüe vineyards give the wine a deeper colour, as well as great tension and body. Apalta, on the other hand, with its deeper soils and better availability of water, adds diversity to the aromas and unctuousness on the palate.
Harvest Note
The 2019–2020 season had a very dry winter, just as Chile has been seeing for some time over previous seasons. The little water available explains the significant decrease—around 15–20% in production yields, while at the same time impacting the final quality of the wines. Spring was free of significant frost in the Colchagua vineyards, so the vineyards had excellent growing conditions. Summer had high temperatures that accelerated the ripening processes of the grapes, resulting in an initial harvest date for red and white grapes that in some cases was up to one month earlier than normal. The low fruit charge in the vineyards translated into bunches that arrived at harvest with small berries, positively affecting the concentration of aromas, flavors, and color (in red wines), giving winemakers high-quality grapes for the wines. In both the Apalta and Marchigue vineyards, winemakers were able to harvest in a timely and orderly manner, with harvest decided by a tasting of the berries.
Tasting Note
Lively ruby-red in color, with aromas of fresh red cherry and raspberry. Flavors of blackberry and red plum mix with notes of hazelnut. The palate is balanced and fresh, with medium body and a long finish.
Technical Data
GRAPES: 85% Merlot, 15% Carmenère
APPELLATION: Colchagua Valley
PH: 3.54
ACIDITY: 3.53 g/l
ABV: 14.5%
AGING: 45% of the wine was aged for 6 months in French oak
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.
- Smooth on the palate, soft, round tannins. Medium volume, rich natural acidity.
- 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
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.
