Alpha Malbec 2018
Trade Tools
Chile / Colchagua Valley
The vineyards that produce the grapes for Alpha Malbec come from Apalta and Marchigüe estates in the Colchagua Valley. Both properties have soils of granitic origin with different degrees of decomposition and varying amounts of clay, depth, and organic matter. The Apalta estate is extremely diverse with zones that are highly influenced by the Tinguiririca River and others by mudslides and geological material that breaks off from the mountains above. The soils tend to be deep in the flat areas and shallower at the foot of the mountain and higher areas. The Malbec vineyards are located in zones with gentle slopes where the soils present a mixture of material from fluvial and alluvial origin, medium depths, and low moisture retention.
Harvest Note
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 we 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.
Tasting Note
A deep ruby red color with an intense violet hue. The nose focuses around pronounced aromas of ripe sour cherries, violets and wildflowers, while a touch of crème de cassis, jam, and anise round out the aromatic profile. The generous palate has tremendous volume and perfectly round tannins lend structure to a long, lingering finish.
Technical Data
GRAPES: 95% Malbec, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon
APPELLATION: Colchagua Valley
PH: 3.57
ACIDITY: 5.29 g/l
ABV: 14.5%
AGING: 50% of volume during 12 months in french barrel. First, second ans third use.
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
- Vineyards 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
Malbec
Well-made Malbec is a dark, perfumed wine with rich, blackberry and damson plum fruit, aromas of violets and tobacco, and ripe, juicy tannins. In France, may be mineral, structured and austere.
