Alpha Merlot 2017
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Chile / Colchagua Valley
Montes Alpha Merlot was made with selected grapes from vineyards in the Colchagua Valley. This vineyard uses the Water Saving Winegrowing method developed by Aurelio Montes and his team as the result of years of research that enabled them to determine the precise amount of water we need to supplement after the winter rains, especially in years with low rainfall, when irrigation is indispensible. This has enabled us to reduce the amount of irrigation used by 65% while simultaneously improving the quality of the fruit.
90 Points
jamessuckling.com
2017 vintage
Harvest Note
The 2016 - 2017 season began with a drier winter than usual. The spring brought four consecutive days of frost in the coldest areas, but red varieties were unaffected. The summer saw very high temperatures approaching 40ºC in some sectors of the valley in January, which accelerated ripening. Temperatures dropped significantly in early March, enabling the grapes to develop more aromas, ripen their tannins, and obtain ideal skin color. Generally, the smaller yields meant the grapes were smaller and more concentrated leading to wines of excellent quality and expression.
Tasting Note
Intense cherry red color with violet nuances. The complex aromas of blackberries, figs, and plums in syrup mix with spice notes of black pepper and fresh tobacco. This well-structured wine features a medium body and smooth, round tannins that make this an ideal wine to enjoy now or over the course of the next 10 years.
Technical Data
GRAPES: 90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc
APPELLATION: Colchagua Valley
PH: 3.53
ACIDITY: 3.53 g/l
ABV: 14.5%
AGING: 55% of the wine was aged for 12 months in French oak barrels (1st, 2nd, and 3rd use).
Unique Selling Points
- 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 Sr, Chief Winemaker
About the Grape
Merlot
Merlot makes plump, succulent wines to drink young or opulently massive wines for aging. Has silky, blackberry and currant fruit, with spice, earth, tobacco and chocolate notes, and soft tannins.
