Merlot, Cabernet Franc
75cl * 14.5% ABV * Colchagua Valley, Chile
Montes was established in 1988 by Aurelio Montes, Douglas Murray, Alfredo Vidaurre and Pedro Grand, with the aim to produce the best wines in Chile from the best regions. The Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon, first produced in 1987, broke the mould for premium wines in Chile and since then the Alpha range of wines has developed to become the core range in the Montes portfolio. ‘Purple Angel’, ‘Folly’, Alpha ‘M’ and ‘Taita’ are the pinnacle of Montes’ premium winemaking and in 2020, Aurelio Montes’ illustrious career was recognised in the form of the International Wine Challenge’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
Their single site vineyards are irrigated via a ‘Sustainable Dry Farmed’ system, developed by Aurelio and his team, which allows for extremely precise and minimal irrigation, reducing their water footprint by 65%. This approach reduced yields and resulted in smaller bunches and berries, which in turn resulted in wines with deeper colour and more depth, flavour and structure. The fuller reds, which need greater ripeness, are all from Colchagua – an area in which Aurelio Montes has long been a pioneer.
Montes Alpha Merlot is strong but not overpowering, toasty aromas from the French oak are very well integrated with the fruit bouquet. The wine is ripe and fleshy; the nose is complex with varied aromas of ripe black and red fruits such as blackberries, figs, and plums in syrup. Spice notes of black and red pepper intermingle with a touch of fresh tobacco and leather. It is well-structured with smooth, round tannins that make this Merlot ideal to enjoy now or over the course of the next 10 years.