Alpha Pinot Noir 2023
Trade Tools
Chile / Aconcagua Coast
The vineyards that produce the grapes for Montes Alpha Pinot Noir are located in the Casablanca, Zapallar, and Leyda Valleys, all located in the Aconcagua Coast wine region. All of the vineyards are trained to vertical shoot position and drip irrigated, and yields range from 6,245 to 7,137 lb/acre. Because vines have an excellent vegetative / productive balance, it is not necessary to adjust the load and canopy work is minimal. This also allows us to harvest healthy grapes with good balance.
Harvest Note
The winter of 2022 brought abundant rainfall. Spring began predominantly cool; however, by mid to late season, temperatures rose above normal, bringing notably warmer days than usual for that time of year. Summer was warmer than previous vintages. The grapes were hand-picked and sorted. Portions of the clusters were fermented whole cluster, fully destemmed, and partially destemmed at low temperatures over a 7-day period with twice daily punch downs. Once fermentation was complete, the wine was drained and transferred to both barrels and stainless-steel tanks, where it underwent malolactic conversion. Forty per cent of the wine was matured in 225-litre French oak barrels, one third of which were new, with the rest second and third use for 10 months before being blended with the stainless-steel portion.
Tasting Note
The nose is intense, showing a clear expression of wild berries - blackberry, raspberry and blueberry. Oak ageing adds elegant, toasted notes, along with vanilla and crème brûlée. On the palate, it is well balanced and displays supple tannins, moderate acidity, with a smooth and persistent finish.
Technical Data
GRAPES: 100% Pinot Noir
APPELLATION: Aconcagua Costa
PH: 3.5
ACIDITY: 3.43 g/l
ABV: 14%
AGING: 40% of the wine was aged in 225 L oak barriques - one third of which were new, with the rest second and third use for 10 months
Unique Selling Points
- Vineyards located in Casablanca, Leyda and Zapallar Valleys, Aconcagua Wine Region
- Cool-climate Pinot Noir with freshness and elegance
- Juicy with balanced acidity and the sweetness of round, ripe tannins
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
Pinot Noir
In France, makes a silky, deceptively powerful wine of elegant, complex aromas and subtle, red fruit flavors, with earthy, floral, mushroom and mineral notes. In California, shows ripe, sweet characters.
