Montes ‘Alpha’ Carmenère 2021
Grape Varietals: 90% Carmenère & 10% Cabernet Sauvignon
Growing Region: D.O. Colchagua Valley - Chile
Owner / Winemaker: Aurelio Montes
Chief Winemaker: Aurelio Montes Jr
This Montes ‘Alpha’ Carmenère is a pioneering style, made from selected grapes grown in the Colchagua Valley, sourced from their Marchigüe and Apalta vineyards, irrigated according to the ‘Water Saving Winegrowing’ system that Aurelio and his team have developed over several years of detailed research. This system allows them to determine the precise amount of water needed for each vineyard after the winter rains. Especially in particularly dry years when irrigation is essential. This has enabled Montes to reduce their irrigation water usage by 65% - while simultaneously improving the quality of their fruit.
Overall Aurelio was relatively happy with the challenging growing season and resulting quality of fruit, producing ripe tannins, a good spectrum of fruit acidity, rich aromatics and generous palate flavours. As each of the hand-harvested parcels arrived at the winery, they were individually vinified with controlled traditional fermentation techniques. Then 55% of the wine was aged for 12 months in new, 1 and 2-year-old French oak barrels to give added structure, the remaining portion on concrete tanks.
★ Hypnotic aromas of plums, black fruits all nicely infused with bitter cacao, cinnamon, coffee and mixed dried spices. The palate is generous nature and well balanced, with a confident structure of French oak and natural fruit tannins complementing the rich, earthy, dark berry flavours, producing a complex wine with ideal ageing ability. This is a dynamic expression of Carmenère showcasing a spiced personality and typicity, with good acidity which is nicely balanced by those chocolate, dark fruits, spices all wrapped in velvet tannins leading to a morish finish.
This 2021 Montes ‘Alpha’ Carmenère has 14.5% Alc./vol. Made in a classic dry style. Mild decanting of around 30-40 minutes and serve in a generously shaped red wine glass at 16° - 18°C. *NZ$34.00
CELLARING POTENTIAL: *(Review 3/5/25)
With mild decanting, drinking well this season; and will age well for another 4 - 5 years.
FOOD PAIRING SUGGESTIONS:
Perfect wine pairing with bbq’d and well seasoned red meats, beef kebab or felafels, earthy pasta dishes with a rich wine-jus, classic thin-based pizzas’, truffle & mushroom ravioli and aged, hard cheeses - enjoy.
