Montes Alpha Syrah was made with selected grapes from 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 Montes to determine the precise amount of water it need to add to the vineyards after the winter rains, especially in particularly dry years when irrigation is indispensible. This has enabled Montes to reduce irrigation water by 65% while simultaneously improving the quality of the fruit.

93 Points
jamessuckling.com
2018 vintage
90 Points
Tasting Panel
2018 vintage
Harvest Note
In terms of rainfall the 2017 winter was excellent, with total accumulation exceeding 500 mm. in the Colchagua Valley, making it the rainiest year of the last decade. This allowed us to have ample water in our soils and reservoirs, ensuring the optimal development of our plants at all phenological stages, arriving comfortably to harvest. In November there were a few minor spots of spring frost which meant a delay of a few weeks in bud break and flowering. Summer had moderate temperatures, with January averaging 82º F. February saw a notable dip in nighttime temperatures, delaying the ripening of some red and white varieties; in some cases up to 14 days later than the previous season. We were able to harvest the Cabernet Sauvignon at a steady rhythm, taking advantage of the absence of rain, which meant excellent grape health, good measures of ripening, and great varietal expression during fermentation.
Tasting Note
Deep cherry-red in color, nuanced with violet. The nose is intense and complex, with ripe black fruit, fig, and spicy black pepper, intermingling with tobacco and meatiness, delicate notes of dark chocolate and a subtle touch of toast. The palate is well-balanced and broad, with incredibly smooth tannins lending structure and weight on the mid-palate, leading to a long and elegant finish.
Food Pairing
Highly recommended with red meats, stir-fried beef, pork chops, spaghetti with Bolognese sauce, and lamb chops.
Technical Data
GRAPES: 90% Syrah, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Viognier
APPELLATION: Colchagua Valley
PH: 3.49
ACIDITY: 5.4 g/L
ABV: 14.5%
AGING: 55% of volume during 12 months in french barrel. First, second ans third use.
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 on the palate with rich acidity, smooth tannins, tremendous structure and volume.
  • Vineyards located in Apalta and Marchigüe, Colchagua Valley

About the Grape

Syrah
Syrah has seductively dense, rich, chewy black berry aromas and flavors, with notes of tar, wood smoke, bacon, leather, chocolate, and sometimes violets. The tannins are firm yet elegant.
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