Classic Merlot 2021
Trade Tools
Chile / Colchagua Valley
The Montes Classic Merlot hails from some of the finest growing sites in Chile's Central Valley, predominantly the Colchagua Valley sub-region, at Montes' Apalta and El Arcángel de Marchigüe estates. Marchigüe's extreme vineyards give the wine a deeper colour, as well as great tension and body. Apalta, with its deeper soils and better availability of water, adds diversity to the aromas and unctuousness on the palate. This vintage includes grapes from cooler parts of the Maule and Curicó Valleys, adding fresh fruit and smoothness on the palate.
89 Points
jamessuckling.com
2021 vintage
Harvest Note
Concentrated winter rains totaling 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
Bright ruby-red with a violet rim, this wine expresses aromas of fresh black fruits with soft notes of toast and chocolate over a spicy backdrop of white pepper.
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 6 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.
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
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.
