Alpha M 2017 – Kobrand Wine & Spirits

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Chile / Colchagua Valley

Montes Alpha M is the result of an extremely limited production and a rigorous selection of the grapes, one by one, led by Aurelio Montes. Coming from the Colchagua Valley, it is one of the best and most awarded wines of Chile. The vineyards that give rise to Montes Alpha M are located in the Apalta zone of the Colchagua Valley. The soils are of granitic origin and are shallow in the upper, mountainous sectors. They vary in the clay content, depth, amount of organic matter, and especially the types of rocks and stones they are made up of. The soils origin can also range from fluvial to glacial, which shows the great diversity of soils in our vineyards. Some zones are influenced by the Tinguiririca River and others by mudslides and the detachment of material from high above in the mountain chain that delimits the valley.

Harvest Note

The 2016-17 season was characterized by the low levels of precipitation in winter, which meant we had to be very efficient in gathering rainwater and administering irrigation until harvest, adhering to Montes' philosophy of sustainable irrigation. In spring there were only a few isolated spots of frost, making it a rather benign season. However in general, yields of red grapes were somewhat diminished, because of reduced floral induction the year before, and the restricted availability of water. Unusually high temperatures in January and February greatly influenced grape ripening. These peaks accelerated the accumulation of sugars, compared to the same dates in previous years. However, March had cooler afternoons, shrinking the number of hours of heat and improving diurnal temperature range, beneficially extending the maturing time for tannins. We started harvesting the Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc two weeks earlier than in 2016, while the Merlot and Petit Verdot were harvested only one week earlier. Being a very dry year, all grapes were smaller in size and weight, something positive for the concentration of aromas and color. Additionally, the grapes reached harvest in excellent health, allowing the gentle and precise work in the winery to begin.

Tasting Note

The 2017 vintage has a beautiful, deep, ruby-red colour. On the nose the notes are of ripe red fruit, such as cherry, strawberry, and plum. With 18 months in French oak barrels, the wine shows good complexity, with notes of tobacco, sweet spice, and very well balanced toast in the background. On the palate the aroma profile reappears, with the wine showing balance and an enveloping character, medium body and a long finish, full of creamy sensations and persistent fruit character.

Technical Data

GRAPES: 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, 5% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot

APPELLATION: Colchagua Valley

PH: 3.5

ACIDITY: 3.63 g/l

ABV: 14.5%

AGING: 80% of the components for this wine have been aged for 18 months in new French oak barrels; the remaining 20% remained in barrels of second or third use for the same period of time.

Unique Selling Points

Extremely limited production where grapes are hand selected one by one
Only released if head winemaker, Aurelio Montes approves the quality

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

Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignon is adaptable to various growing conditions, and is known for its low yield and late ripeness. It generally produces full-bodied wines with substantial acidity and tannins.