Montes Classic Series Merlot comes from vines planted on a variety of slopes at the Apalta and El Arcángel de Marchigüe vineyards in the Colchagua Valley. Bright ruby-red with a violet rim, this wine expresses aromas of fresh black fruits with mild notes of toast and chocolate over a spicy backdrop of white pepper.

Harvest Note
The 2019–2020 season had a very dry winter, just as Chile has been seeing for some time over previous seasons. The little water available explains the significant decrease—around 15–20% in production yields, while at the same time impacting the final quality of the wines. Spring was free of significant frost in the Colchagua vineyards, so the vineyards had excellent growing conditions. Summer had high temperatures that accelerated the ripening processes of the grapes, resulting in an initial harvest date for red and white grapes that in some cases was up to one month earlier than normal. The low fruit charge in the vineyards translated into bunches that arrived at harvest with small berries, positively affecting the concentration of aromas, flavors, and color (in red wines), giving winemakers high-quality grapes for the wines. In both the Apalta and Marchigue vineyards, winemakers were able to harvest in a timely and orderly manner, with harvest decided by a tasting of the berries.
Tasting Note
Notes of fresh red and black fruit, such as plum, sour cherry, crème de cassis, followed by pastry notes and sweet spice like cinnamon and nutmeg.
Food Pairing
Pairs well with slow-cooked beef with french fries, filet or beef with onions, french fries and fried egg, cannelloni or lasagna.
Technical Data
GRAPES: 85% Merlot, 15% Carmenère
APPELLATION: Colchagua Valley
PH: 3.54
ACIDITY: 3.53 g/l
ABV: 14.5%
AGING: 45% of the wine was aged for 10 months in French oak
Unique Selling Points
  • Represents the outstanding value Chile can offer for everyday drinking.
  • Grapes are handpicked and transported to the winery with the utmost care.
  • 45% aged in French oak barrels for 8 months.
  • Smooth on the palate, soft, round tannins. Medium volume, rich natural acidity.
  • Vineyards located in Apalta and Marchigüe, Colchagua Valley.

About the Grape

Merlot
Merlot makes plump, succulent wines to drink young or opulently massive wines for aging. Has silky, blackberry and currant fruit, with spice, earth, tobacco and chocolate notes, and soft tannins.
On-Line Assistant
Ask the Expert
We look forward to hearing from you! Please choose a subject from the options below and let us know your name and email address before adding your message.