Montes Alpha Carmenère was made with selected grapes from our vineyards in the Colchagua Valley irrigated according to the Water Saving Winegrowing system that Aurelio Montes and his team developed over the course of years of research. This system allows us to determine the precise amount of water we need to add to the vineyards after the winter rains, especially in particularly dry years when irrigation is indispensible. This has enabled us to reduce irrigation water by 65% while simultaneously improving the quality of the fruit.

90 Points
Wine Spectator
2016 vintage
92 Points
jamessuckling.com
2016 vintage
Harvest Note
The 2015–2016 season began with a winter that was drier than the previous year (-15% in Marchigüe and -7% in Apalta). However, the unusual rainfall during the second half of October enabled us to accumulate an optimal level of water in the soil to ensure sufficient availability for our vineyards. The spring was frost free, which allowed for optimal budbreak, foliage development, and flowering. There was no significant rainfall during the summer, which began cool, especially in January. February, however, was one of the hottest in recent years. Temperatures dropped in March, which slowed ripening by approximately 2 weeks. The weather conditions remained very favorable until April, which presented 2 very significant episodes of rain in 5 days. Up to 180 mm fell in the Central Valley, which had a great impact on the wine industry and farming in general. Our largest vineyard, Arcángel de Marchigüe, however, is near the coast and therefore registered 60% less rain than the Central Valley, which enabled the harvests to take place as planned.
Tasting Note
Deep purplish-red in color. The intense nose offers pleasing notes of ripe blackberries, figs, and dried plums. Spicy notes of nutmeg and black pepper complement a backdrop of tobacco, leather, and a subtle hint balsamic and dark chocolate aromas. The palate is well balanced, lush, and structured, with soft tannins that lead to a long and very elegant finish.
Food Pairing
Highly recommended with red meats, stir-fried beef and vegetables, pork chops, spaghetti with Bolognese sauce, lamb chops, and mushroom ravioli.
Technical Data
GRAPES: 90% Carmenere, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon
APPELLATION: Colchagua Valley
PH: 3.72
ACIDITY: 3.31 g/l
ABV: 14.5%
AGING: 55% of the wine is kept for 12 months in French oak barrels
RESIDUAL SUGAR: 3.14 g/l
Unique Selling Points
  • Pioneered the way for all premium wines in Chile, remains #1 in the niche
  • Awarded ‘Top Scoring’ and ‘Best Value’ by the influential, Wine Spectator magazine
  • 55% aged in 1st, 2nd and 3rd use French oak barrels for 12 months
  • Well balanced and structures with soft tannins
  • Variety only reappeared in 1993, after it was thought to be extinct for 200 years

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.
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