Alpha Carmenère 2017
Trade Tools
Chile / Colchagua Valley
Montes Alpha Carmenère was made with selected grapes from vineyards in the Colchagua Valley irrigated according to the Water Saving Winegrowing system that Aurelio Montes and his team developed over the course of years of research. This system allows us to determine the precise amount of water we need to add to the vineyards after the winter rains, especially in particularly dry years when irrigation is indispensible. This has enabled us to reduce irrigation water by 65% while simultaneously improving the quality of the fruit.
Harvest Note
The 2016 - 2017 season began with a drier winter than usual. The spring brought four consecutive days of frost in the coldest areas, but red varieties were unaffected. The summer saw very high temperatures approaching 40ºC in some sectors of the valley in January, which accelerated ripening. Temperatures dropped significantly in early March, enabling the grapes to develop more aromas, ripen their tannins, and obtain ideal skin color. Generally, the smaller yields meant the grapes were smaller and more concentrated leading to wines of excellent quality and expression.
Tasting Note
Deep purplish-red in color. The intense nose offers pleasing notes of ripe blackberries, figs, and dried plums. Spicy notes of nutmeg and black pepper complement a backdrop of tobacco, leather, and a subtle hint balsamic and dark chocolate aromas. The palate is well balanced, lush, and structured, with soft tannins that lead to a long and very elegant finish.
Technical Data
GRAPES: 90% Carmenere, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon.
APPELLATION: Colchagua Valley
PH: 3.69
ACIDITY: 3.19 g/l
ABV: 14.5%
AGING: 55% of the wine was aged for 12 months in French oak barrels (1st, 2nd, and 3rd use).
Unique Selling Points
- Variety only reappeared in 1993, after it was thought to be extinct for 200 years
- Awarded ‘Top Scoring’ and ‘Best Value’ by the influential, Wine Spectator magazine
- Pioneered the way for all premium wines in Chile, remains #1 in the niche
The story of Montes is a testament to what unique vision, grit, determination, and perseverance can achieve.
Aurelio Montes Jr, Chief Winemaker
About the Grape
Carmenère
Carmenère has spicy red berry aromas and black plum flavors, with a pronounced leafy and green bell pepper edge, and notes of grilled meat and coffee.
