Limited Selection Carmenère 2019
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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.
91 Points
jamessuckling.com
2019 vintage
Harvest Note
The season began with a trouble-free winter and standard temperatures, which brought around 12 inches of precipitation at Apalta. Irrigation started later in the season thanks to a rainy and fresh spring, which allowed us to keep water for the summer period. In the Colchagua Valley, the summer was dry, with no rain that might have compromised the health of the red grapes — and warm, but without damaging extremes. Thanks to controlled water stress between fruit set and veraison, the size of the berries was reduced, achieving a good pulp/skin ratio, extraordinary color, concentrated, rich tannins and very good aromas. For the vintage of reds, there were no rainy spells in March or April, which allowed us to wait for full phenolic maturity without the risk of disease affecting the quality of the wine. The health and quality of the grapes, that gave us clean musts with great potential, was evidence of a year without damaging climatic events. In the Colchagua Valley, maturity was reached without delay. The Carmenere ripened slowly, but the expected result was achieved thanks to the valley's own extended, dry season which is ideal for this variety. Having concluded the harvest and had preliminary tastings, we see a very high quality vintage for reds, albeit slightly reduced in volume. Without a doubt, 2019 will give us exceptional wines.
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% Carmenere
APPELLATION: Colchagua Valley
PH: 3.52
ACIDITY: 5.32 g/l
ABV: 14.5%
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.
