Limited Selection Carmenère 2017
Trade Tools
Chile / Colchagua Valley
Montes Limited Selection Carmenère is sourced from Montes two estate vineyards in Apalta and Marchigüe. The Finca Apalta Estate vineyard features diverse soils with areas that are influenced by the Tinguiririca River, while other portions are influenced by mudslides and material that has fallen from the mountains above. The soils tend to be deep on the plain and thinner at the foot of the mountain and higher areas. Carmenère vines are best suited to the flatter areas, where the soils are deeper. Marchigüe is flatter with low hills and moderate slopes. The soils are shallow—in some cases no more than 60 cm deep—with moderate clay content and a high capacity for water retention. The vineyards are located in generally flat areas.
Harvest Note
The 2016–2017 season was characterized by a dry winter. Sustainable irrigation was employed throughout the season until harvest. A few isolated cases of frost were recorded during the rather benevolent spring. The overall yields of the red varieties, however, were decreased slightly, primarily due to low floral induction as well as the restricted availability of water. The unusually high temperatures during the summer months of January and February had a tremendous influence on the ripening process and accelerated the accumulation of sugars. The month of March, however, had very cool afternoons. This decreased the influence of the heat earlier in the summer and brought the timing of harvest back in line with yearly averages. The grapes were harvested in excellent health conditions and were picked within optimal ripeness and flavor parameters.
Tasting Note
Deep carmine red with a violet hue, this wine generously offers complex aromas and intensity with touches of sweet spices, mingled with toasted French oak along and notes of vanilla and chocolate. A well-balanced structure that is very smooth and persistent on the palate.
Technical Data
GRAPES: 100% Carmenère
APPELLATION: Colchagua Valley
PH: 3.6
ACIDITY: 3.28 g/l
ABV: 14.5%
AGING: 47% of the wine was aged for 10 months in 1st-use French oak barrels.
RESIDUAL SUGAR: 23.9 g/l
Unique Selling Points
- Variety only reappeared in 1993, after it was thought to be extinct for 200 years.
- Premium wine recognised for being seductive, voluptuous, smooth and satisfying.
- 50% aged in 2nd and 3rd use French oak barrels for 10 months.
- Voluptuous and well balanced on the palate with round tannins.
- Vineyards located in Apalta and Marchigüe, Apalta.
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
Carmenère
Carmenère has spicy red berry aromas and black plum flavors, with a pronounced leafy and green bell pepper edge, and notes of grilled meat and coffee.
