Alpha Carmenère 2018

The winter of 2017 was characterized by plentiful rainfall, which exceeded 500 mm in the Colchagua Valley, making it the wettest year in the last decade. This meant Montes could count on there being sufficient water in the subsoil and in our reservoirs for the optimal development of the vines, at all phenological stages, right up to harvest. During the spring there was some frost but it did not cause any damage to our red varieties. Temperatures were cool until mid-November, causing a delay in budburst and lowering by a few weeks. Summer saw moderate temperatures, with average maximum temperatures in January of 82°F. February saw a marked decrease in night-time temperatures, which generally caused a delay in the maturation of red and white varieties, in some cases by up to 14 days compared to the previous year. There was no precipitation at all during the harvest months, so the grapes were extremely healthy, and showed good measurements of ripeness, and great varietal expression during fermentation.

Deep ruby-red with an eye-catching, violet hue. On the nose it’s complex and elegant. Pronounced, delicious aromas of ripe red and black fruit melt into inviting chocolate, mocha and brioche. The nose is well-balanced, with a little spice in the background. The French oak lends some toasted notes that complement the aromatic pro le, while adding a slight sensation of sweetness. On the palate, it shows itself to be a wine of great Carmenère character and typicity, with rich acidity that is well balanced with the generous body. The tannins are velvety and give way to a long memorable finish.

• 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