Alpha Syrah 2017
Trade Tools
Chile / Colchagua Valley
Montes Alpha Syrah was made with selected grapes from vineyards in the Colchagua Valley irrigated according to the Water Saving Winegrowing system that Aurelio Montes and his team developed over the course of years of research. This system allows Montes to determine the precise amount of water it need to add to the vineyards after the winter rains, especially in particularly dry years when irrigation is indispensible. This has enabled Montes to reduce irrigation water by 65% while simultaneously improving the quality of the fruit.
Harvest Note
The 2016 - 2017 season began with a drier winter than usual. The spring brought four consecutive days of frost in the coldest areas, but red varieties were unaffected. The summer saw very high temperatures approaching 40ºC in some sectors of the valley in January, which accelerated ripening. Temperatures dropped significantly in early March, enabling the grapes to develop more aromas, ripen their tannins, and obtain ideal skin color. Generally, the smaller yields meant the grapes were smaller and more concentrated leading to wines of excellent quality and expression.
Tasting Note
Deep cherry-red in color, nuanced with violet. The nose is intense and complex, with ripe black fruit, fig, and spicy black pepper, intermingling with tobacco and meatiness, delicate notes of dark chocolate and a subtle touch of toast. The palate is well-balanced and broad, with incredibly smooth tannins lending structure and weight on the mid-palate, leading to a long and elegant finish.
Technical Data
GRAPES: 90% Syrah, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Viognier
APPELLATION: Colchagua Valley
PH: 3.63
ACIDITY: 3.28 g/l
ABV: 14.5%
AGING: 55% of the wine was aged for 12 months in French oak barrels (1st, 2nd, and 3rd 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
- 55% aged in 1st, 2nd and 3rd-use French oak barrels for 12 months.
- Well balanced on the palate with rich acidity, smooth tannins, tremendous structure and volume.
- Vineyards located 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
Syrah
Syrah has seductively dense, rich, chewy black berry aromas and flavors, with notes of tar, wood smoke, bacon, leather, chocolate, and sometimes violets. The tannins are firm yet elegant.
