Alpha Malbec 2019
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.
92 Points
jamessuckling.com
2019 vintage
91 Points
Wine Enthusiast
2019 vintage
Harvest Note
The 2018–19 season began with a mild winter and moderate rainfall, followed by a cool, rainy spring that allowed us to begin irrigating later in the season. We were able to store more water than expected for the summer months. Towards December the weather stabilized, reaching normal maximum temperatures for that time of the year, with 54ºF the minimum and close to 82ºF the maximum. The warm temperatures stayed around in January and continued through February, but they gave way to a chillier March, with cool mornings and evenings, which helped maintain the natural acidity of the white varieties, while also helping to protect their aromas. No rain fell during ripening or harvest, which resulted in good phytosanitary conditions and excellent physical-chemical values.
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: D.O. Valle de Colchagua
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.
