Alpha Merlot 2018
Trade Tools
Chile / Colchagua Valley
Montes Alpha Merlot was made with selected grapes from vineyards in the Colchagua Valley. This vineyard uses the Water Saving Wine growing method developed by Aurelio Montes and his team as the result of years of research that enabled them to determine the precise amount of water we need to supplement after the winter rains, especially in years with low rainfall, when irrigation is indispensable. This has enabled us to reduce the amount of irrigation used by 65% while simultaneously improving the quality of the fruit.
Harvest Note
In terms of precipitation, the 2017 winter was rather more favorable than prior years, with total accumulation exceeding 500 mm in the Colchagua Valley, making it the rainiest year of the last decade. This allowed us to have a sufficient amount of water in our soils and reservoirs, ensuring the optimal development of our plants during all of their phenological stages, before arriving comfortably at harvest. During spring, there were a few minor episodes of frost through mid-November which meant a delay in bud break and flowering of a few weeks. Summer had moderate temperatures, with January averaging 82º F. February saw a notable dip in nighttime temperatures, again delaying the ripening of some of the red and white varieties, in some cases up to 14 days later compared to the previous season. There was no precipitation during the harvest months, which resulted in grapes in excellent condition, good ripening parameters, and great varietal expression during fermentation.
Tasting Note
Intense cherry red color with violet nuances. The complex aromas of blackberries, figs, and plums in syrup mix with spice notes of black pepper and fresh tobacco. This well-structured wine features a medium body and smooth, round tannins that make this an ideal wine to enjoy now or over the course of the next 10 years.
Technical Data
GRAPES: 90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc
APPELLATION: Colchagua Valley
PH: 3.49
ACIDITY: 5.47 g/l
ABV: 14.5%
AGING: 55% 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
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
Merlot
Merlot makes plump, succulent wines to drink young or opulently massive wines for aging. Has silky, blackberry and currant fruit, with spice, earth, tobacco and chocolate notes, and soft tannins.
