Limited Selection Carmenère 2022
Trade Tools
Chile / Colchagua Valley
The Limited Selection Carmenère comes primarily from Montes' Finca Apalta Estate vineyard with some additions from their Marchigüe Estate vineyard. These two unique vineyards feature granite-rich soils in differing degrees of decomposition. Both have considerable variation in the clay content, depth, and organic matter from the influence of erosion and deposits from local rivers over time. The soils are generally deep in the flat areas and thinner at the foot of the mountains and at higher elevations. Carmenère is planted in deep, rich soils, with moderate water retention.
Harvest Note
Winter was relatively dry, with rains concentrated in short bursts that totaled 20 inches, something we hadn’t seen for more than ten years. Well-managed water availability allowed winemakers to supply the vineyards with water until the grapes were harvested. Budbreak and fruit set took place at the expected time and in the correct manner, without spring frost, thus assuring bunches of good quality. After finishing veraison, Chile’s Central Zone experienced significant rain. This demanded a great deal of work in the vineyards, to encourage rapid ventilation and drying of the fruit. Winemakers reacted in time, allowing them to harvest healthy grapes of good quality. Generally speaking, the season was fresher than the previous one, resulting in a delayed start to the harvest for all varieties, because, after the rain, the vineyards experienced several weeks of low temperatures and cloudiness. This caused very slow ripening of the grapes, and permitted a greater concentration of color and aromas.
Tasting Note
Brick red color in the glass, this Carmenère is bursting with aromas of plum and strawberry with juicy fruit on the palate. Hints of toast, butterscotch, roasted coffee, and a hint of liqueur round out the dense and silky palate.
Technical Data
GRAPES: 70% Cabernet-Sauvignon, 30% Carmenère
APPELLATION: Colchagua Valley
PH: 3.6
ACIDITY: 3.6 g/l
ABV: 14.5%
AGING: 47% of the wine was kept for 8 months in French oak barrels of various uses
Unique Selling Points
- Variety only reappeared in 1993, after it was thought to be extinct for 200 years
- From select blocks of Montes' acclaimed estate vineyards
- Generous palate with rounded tannins and juicy profile overdelivers
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
Carmenère
Carmenère has spicy red berry aromas and black plum flavors, with a pronounced leafy and green bell pepper edge, and notes of grilled meat and coffee.
