Alpha Carmenère 2019
Trade Tools
Chile / Colchagua Valley
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 indispensable. This has enabled us to reduce irrigation water by 65% while simultaneously improving the quality of the fruit.
Harvest Note
The 2018–19 season began with a mild winter and moderate rainfall, followed by a cool, rainy spring that allowed us to begin irrigating later in the season. We were able to store more water than expected for the summer months. Towards December the weather stabilized, reaching normal maximum temperatures for that time of the year, with 54ºF the minimum and close to 82ºF the maximum. The warm temperatures stayed around in January and continued through February, but they gave way to a chillier March, with cool mornings and evenings, which helped maintain the natural acidity of the white varieties, while also helping to protect their aromas. No rain fell during ripening or harvest, which resulted in good phytosanitary conditions and excellent physical-chemical values.
Tasting Note
Deep ruby-red with an eye-catching, violet hue. On the nose it’s complex and elegant. Pronounced, delicious aromas of ripe red and black fruit melt into inviting chocolate, mocha and brioche. The nose is well-balanced, with a little spice in the background. The French oak lends some toasted notes that complement the aromatic pro le, while adding a slight sensation of sweetness. On the palate, it shows itself to be a wine of great Carmenère character and typicity, with rich acidity that is well balanced with the generous body. The tannins are velvety and give way to a long memorable finish.
Technical Data
GRAPES: 90% Carmenère; 10% Cabernet Sauvignon
APPELLATION: D.O. Valle de Colchagua
ABV: 14.5%
AGING: 55% of the wine was aged for 12 months in first-, second-, and third-use barrels.
Unique Selling Points
- Variety only reappeared in 1993, after it was thought to be extinct for 200 years
- Awarded ‘Top Scoring’ and ‘Best Value’ by the influential, Wine Spectator magazine
- Pioneered the way for all premium wines in Chile, remains #1 in the niche
The story of Montes is a testament to what unique vision, grit, determination, and perseverance can achieve.
Aurelio Montes Jr, 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.
