The vineyards that produce the grapes for the Montes Wings are located in the Colchagua Valley, at the Finca de Apalta Estate. One of the special characteristics of this Carmenère vineyard is its location on steep slopes, 656 feet above the vineyards on the valley floor. The soils are granitic, with an important percentage of clay, very good drainage, and a south-western exposure, allowing for more controlled temperatures during the warm summer days. Apalta has very heterogeneous soils: some strongly influenced by the nearby Tinguiririca River, and others with the more colluvial origin of eroded material from high above in the mountain range that curves around the valley. Soils tend to be deeper on the valley floor, and thinner at the foot of the mountains and higher up.

94 Points
jamessuckling.com
2020 vintage
94 Points
jamessuckling.com
2020 vintage
Harvest Note
Normal-to-low levels of precipitation during winter allowed the plants to develop well at all phenological stages. In spring, a few minor episodes of frost did not cause damage to the red varieties. Temperatures remained normal through Spring, with bud break and flowering on schedule. Summer saw a modest rise in temperatures, with some red varieties ripening up to seven days earlier than the previous year. A dry harvest brought grapes in excellent health, with perfect ripeness, and peak varietal expression.
Tasting Note
The wine shows a deep red colour, with the purple undertones very characteristic of Carmenère. The intense nose reveals aromas of black fruit, such as blackberry and blueberry, accompanied by pleasing spice notes of bell pepper and black pepper, joined by sweet notes from the French oak barrels, delivering a very complex wine. The rounded palate of the wine shows extreme smoothness and potency, with a very long, pleasant finish.
Technical Data
GRAPES: 85% Carmenère, 15% Cabernet Franc
APPELLATION: Colchagua Valley
PH: 3.5
ACIDITY: 3.72
ABV: 14.5%
AGING: 80% of the wine was aged for 16 months in new French oak barrels; 20% in second and third-use barrels.
Unique Selling Points
  • Hillside vineyard blocks used for Wings instead of foothills like Purple Angel
  • 15% Cabernet Franc is different from Montes' other Carmenère blends
  • Thin, granitic soil and moderate oak aging allows for fresh expression
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