Alpha Chardonnay 2019
Trade Tools
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
VinousMedia.com
2019 vintage
Harvest Note
The 2018–2019 season in the Aconcagua Costa region, just like in the rest of Chile’s winemaking valleys, saw a cold, dry winter, with a few episodes of frost that did not threaten the vineyards’ normal production levels. But the levels of precipitation during the winter were very low in the entire Aconcagua Costa Region, much lower than in a normal year. This shortage of water determined the beginning of the harvest, which Winemakers had to move forward by 20 days compared to 2018. In mid-March, there was a noticeable drop in both day and night-time temperatures, allowing the harvest to extend and finish around the same time as the previous year. This also ensured grapes of excellent quality.
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 Coast
PH: 3.25
ACIDITY: 3.55 g/l
ABV: 14%
AGING: 35% of the wine aged for 12 months in French oak barrels of first, second and third use.
Unique Selling Points
- Pioneered the way for all premium wines in Chile, remains #1 in the niche
- Awarded ‘Top Scoring’ and ‘Best Value’ by the influential, Wine Spectator magazine
- 35% aged in French oak barrels for 12 months
- Smooth with perfectly balanced acidity, a fresh wine with generous volume
- Vineyards located in the Aconcagua Coast region
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.
