Alpha Special Cuvée Sauvignon Blanc 2021
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Chile / Leyda Valley
The vineyards are located in the Leyda Valley, roughly 1 mile from the coast, planted on low hills, with granitic soils and lots of clay. The vines are planted at a density of 3,000 plants per acre and trained vertically. Pruning aims to achieve low yields so the grapes ripen a little earlier. Canopies are kept intact throughout harvest (unlike for other varieties), in order to keep the bunches well covered, thereby preserving very good aroma in the skins.
Harvest Note
After several years of continual drought, the 2020–2021 season began with considerable winter rain, concentrated in just a few bursts. Spring had some rare frost, that luckily did not affect production. The vineyards showed very good vegetative expression and flawless fruiting. The summer season was cooler than expected. Even though precipitation in the coastal Aconcagua was not considerable, the rest of the summer saw lots of humid morning fog and very few effective hours of sunshine, so winemakers had to take quick action, removing leaves to improve ventilation and clearing areas where bunches grew very close together. However, harvest took place with speed and precision, capturing the best qualities of Sauvignon Blanc from this terroir. Harvest began two weeks later than the previous year; the wait was for the grapes to develop the important flavors Montes looks for to make this wine.
Tasting Note
Bold characteristics with notes of pineapple and white peach and a hint of lime. There are also plant notes of boxwood, tomato leaf, and fresh green chilli pepper. The palate is fresh and smooth, with medium body.
Technical Data
GRAPES: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
APPELLATION: Leyda Valley
PH: 3.41
ACIDITY: 3.9 g/l
ABV: 13.5%
Unique Selling Points
- Vineyard is located in the Leyda Valley, only 9 miles from the Pacific Ocean
- Use of canopies keeps the bunches well covered to preserve the aromas in the skins
- The grapes were handpicked at the coolest time of day to preserve their delicate qualities
The story of Montes is a testament to what unique vision, grit, determination, and perseverance can achieve.
Aurelio Montes Jr, Chief Winemaker
