Alpha Chardonnay 2021
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Chile / Aconcagua Coast
The vineyards that produce grapes for Montes Alpha Chardonnay are located in the Aconcagua Costa region. The proximity of the vines to the Pacific Ocean and the pronounced influence of sea breezes provide ideal conditions for Chardonnay to ripen slowly and completely. The high variability in the soils, which range from sandy to clay-loam, lend this wine enormous complexity with tremendous cold-climate typicity, but with an impressive aromatic palate. The most important clones used are Dijon 76, which contributes tropical fruit and citrus notes, and clone 95, which lends great volume to the palate thanks to the highly concentrated grapes it produces.
91 Points
jamessuckling.com
2021 vintage
92 Points
VinousMedia.com
2021 vintage
Harvest Note
Concentrated winter rains totalling 20 inches provided a important water supply for the vineyards at a level not experienced in more than ten years. Budbreak and fruit set took place as expected, without spring frost, assuring the production of good-quality bunches. Significant rain after ripening created a huge amount of work in the vineyards to increase ventilation and enhance fruit drying. Timely action allowed winemakers to reach harvest with healthy grapes of good quality. Generally speaking, the season was cooler than the previous one, resulting in better color and aroma concentration and fresh wines with great personality.
Tasting Note
Notes of ripe tropical fruit including papaya and pineapple, together with notes of asparagus typical of the cool-climate area of the Aconcagua Valley coast. The 12 months in barrel lend very delicate toasted notes, together with a hint of vanilla and nuts.
Technical Data
GRAPES: 100% Chardonnay
APPELLATION: Aconcagua Costa
PH: 3.43
ACIDITY: 3.7
ABV: 14%
AGING: 35% of the wine aged for 12 months in French oak barrels of first, second and third use.
Unique Selling Points
- Vineyards located in the Aconcagua Coast region
- Smooth with perfectly balanced acidity, a fresh wine with generous volume
- 35% aged in French oak barrels for 12 months
The story of Montes is a testament to what unique vision, grit, determination, and perseverance can achieve.
Aurelio Montes Jr, Chief Winemaker
About the Grape
Chardonnay
Though it has a distinctive profile, Chardonnay reflects other factors such as soil composition and vinification technique. Chardonnay is a reliable, hardy and prolific vine whose only real vulnerabilities are frost and uneven development of fruit.
