Alpha Chardonnay 2017
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Chile / Aconcagua Coast
The vineyards that produce grapes for Montes Alpha Chardonnay are located in the Aconcagua Costa region. The proximity of the vines to the Pacific Ocean and the pronounced influence of sea breezes provide ideal conditions for Chardonnay to ripen slowly and completely. The high variability in the soils, which range from sandy to clay-loam, lend this wine enormous complexity with tremendous cold-climate typicity, but with an impressive aromatic palate. The most important clones used are Dijon 76, which contributes tropical fruit and citrus notes, and clone 95, which lends great volume to the palate thanks to the highly concentrated grapes it produces.
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 the Chardonnay vines 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 more evenly, 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
Brilliant, light golden-yellow color. The perfumed nose offers notes of cherimoya, ripe pineapple, while hints of pear and banana add complexity to the profile. The palate is focused with crisp acidity complementing a voluptuous structure and body. A certain mineral note, characteristic of the terroir, lingers on in the long and elegant finish.
Technical Data
GRAPES: 100% Chardonnay
APPELLATION: Aconcagua Coast
PH: 3.34
ACIDITY: 3.14 g/l
ABV: 14%
AGING: 35% of the components of this wine were aged for 12 months in French oak barrels.
Unique Selling Points
- Pioneered the way for all premium wines in Chile, remains #1 in the niche
- Awarded ‘Top Scoring’ and ‘Best Value’ by the influential, Wine Spectator magazine
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
Chardonnay
Though it has a distinctive profile, Chardonnay reflects other factors such as soil composition and vinification technique. Chardonnay is a reliable, hardy and prolific vine whose only real vulnerabilities are frost and uneven development of fruit.
