Alpha Chardonnay 2018
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Chile / Aconcagua Coast
The vineyards that produce grapes for Montes Alpha Chardonnay are located in the Aconcagua Costa region. The proximity of the vines to the Pacific Ocean and the pronounced influence of sea breezes provide ideal conditions for Chardonnay to ripen slowly and completely. The high variability in the soils, which range from sandy to clay-loam, lend this wine enormous complexity with tremendous cold-climate typicity, but with an impressive aromatic palate. The most important clones used are Dijon 76, which contributes tropical fruit and citrus notes, and clone 95, which lends great volume to the palate thanks to the highly concentrated grapes it produces.
Harvest Note
The 2017–2018 season had a normal winter, with little precipitation, but enough to provide for the vines until harvest. There was no spring frost that might have jeopardized production goals. Both budbreak and flowering began with sufficient moisture in the soil, allowing for good canopy growth and well-structured bunches. Summer was slightly cooler than the previous year's, with some wholly overcast days and low diurnal temperature ranges. Only in April did we see clear skies from midday, and more intense heat, allowing us to meet the harvest parameters we were looking for. Grapes of very high quality were harvested in optimal condition.
Tasting Note
Brilliant, light golden-yellow color. The perfumed nose offers notes of cherimoya, ripe pineapple, while hints of pear and banana add complexity to the profile. The palate is focused with crisp acidity complementing a voluptuous structure and body. A certain mineral note, characteristic of the terroir, lingers on in the long and elegant finish.
Technical Data
GRAPES: 100% Chardonnay
APPELLATION: Aconcagua Coast
PH: 3.21
ACIDITY: 5.29 g/l
ABV: 14.5%
AGING: 35% of the components of this wine were aged for 12 months in French oak barrels
MALOLACTIC FERMENTATION: 15%
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
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
Chardonnay
Though it has a distinctive profile, Chardonnay reflects other factors such as soil composition and vinification technique. Chardonnay is a reliable, hardy and prolific vine whose only real vulnerabilities are frost and uneven development of fruit.
