Alpha Pinot Noir 2016
Trade Tools
Chile / Aconcagua Coast
The vineyards that produce the grapes for Montes Alpha Pinot Noir are located in the Casablanca, Zapallar, and Leyda Valleys, all located in the Aconcagua Coast wine region. All of the vineyards are trained to vertical shoot position and drip irrigated, and yields range from 6,245 to 7,137 lb/acre. Because vines have an excellent vegetative / productive balance, it is not necessary to adjust the load and canopy work is minimal. This also allows us to harvest healthy grapes with good balance.
Harvest Note
The 2015 – 2016 season was rather peculiar. It was normal to good in terms of the availability of water, and there was an optimal amount of moisture in the soil at the time of flowering. Rainfall was very sporadic, but significant in terms of volume and intensity, which affected fruiting in the areas in which the rains coincided with flowering in mid-November. The summer was not very hot and only registered a few peaks in January and February, but overall, the temperatures were below the historic average, especially in March, which registered an average temperature that was 36ºF lower than in 2015. This affected the maturation, especially in the red varieties, and resulted in ripening at least 12 days later in the season than they did in the previous year. This was crucial in making decisions regarding the harvest date because we needed to begin picking in order to prevent an overlap with the red varieties.
Tasting Note
A striking ruby red with violet hue. The aromatic nose features notes of strawberries, cherry liqueur, wild flowers, and violets. The palate is juicy, with very balanced acidity and the sweetness of round, ripe tannins. The generous and elegant mid-palate accentuates all of the sensations perceived on the nose coupled with a remarkable finish.
Technical Data
GRAPES: 100% Pinot Noir
APPELLATION: Aconcagua Coast
PH: 3.47
ACIDITY: 3.5 g/l
ABV: 14%
AGING: 40% of the wine is stored in French oak barrels for 10 months
RESIDUAL SUGAR: 2.45 g/l
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
- 40% aged in French oak barrels for 10 months
- Juicy with balanced acidity and the sweetness of round, ripe tannins
- Vineyards located in Casablanca, Leyda and Zapallar Valleys, Aconcagua Wine Region
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
Pinot Noir
In France, makes a silky, deceptively powerful wine of elegant, complex aromas and subtle, red fruit flavors, with earthy, floral, mushroom and mineral notes. In California, shows ripe, sweet characters.
