Limited Selection Carmenère 2018
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
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 in the last decade. This meant we had a sufficient amount of water in our soils and reservoirs, ensuring the optimal development of our plants during all their phenological stages, before arriving comfortably at harvest. During spring there were a few minor episodes of frost 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. As for other varieties, thanks to the benevolence of summer we could extend the harvest period to its limits, allowing us to reach the exact point when the flavors and aromas of late-ripening Carmenère were optimal. Harvest finished on May 17th, 15 days later than the previous year.
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: 3.72
ACIDITY: 5.02 g/l
ABV: 14%
MALOLACTIC FERMENTATION: 50% of the wine was aged for 10 months in 2nd and 3rd use French oak barrels.
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.
