Montes Alpha M 2019

Montes Alpha M is produced in the Colchagua Valley, specifically in the Apalta sub-region, one of Chile's most prestigious wine-growing areas. The vineyards are located on slopes with inclines reaching up to 30°, allowing for optimal sunlight exposure and drainage. Apalta's soils, with their mix of granitic, fluvial, and glacial origins, provide a diverse and nutrient-rich foundation. The warm, dry climate is moderated by the Tinguiririca River and cooling breezes from the nearby Pacific Ocean, ensuring slow ripening and balanced grape development. These unique conditions result in wines with exceptional concentration, structure, and ageing potential.

This Bordeaux-style blend is made primarily from 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by 10% Cabernet Franc, 5% Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot. The wine epitomises the elegance and complexity of high-quality Chilean reds, combining intense fruit concentration with refined structure and silky tannins. Montes Alpha M is known for its rich, full-bodied style, balanced by freshness and complexity derived from meticulous vineyard management and winemaking.

The grapes are hand-harvested in small 8-kg boxes during the coolest hours of the day. After careful sorting, whole berries are transferred to stainless steel tanks via gravity to preserve their integrity. A cold maceration period of five days enhances colour and aromatic extraction. Fermentation, using selected yeasts, occurs over ten days at 28ºC, followed by a post-fermentation maceration lasting up to 10 days to round out the tannins. The wine is aged for 18 months in French oak barrels, 80% of which are new, and the remainder second or third-use, to achieve complexity and balance. Before bottling, the wine undergoes a gentle filtration.

Montes Alpha M 2019 presents a deep, vibrant red colour. The nose opens with aromas of raspberries, strawberries, and plums, intertwined with barrel-derived notes of nutmeg, toasted nuts, and subtle tobacco. On the palate, the wine is expansive and well-structured, showcasing fine, velvety tannins, vibrant acidity, and a harmonious balance of fruit and oak. The finish is long and elegant, with lingering hints of ripe red berries and a touch of liqueur.

This wine pairs beautifully with duck breast, lamb chops, and pork loin. It is also an excellent companion for creamy pastas, like pesto linguine, or richly spiced dishes, such as lamb masala. For an indulgent pairing, try it with chicken in mushroom sauce. Decant for at least one hour before serving at 17°C.