Montes Alpha Carmenere Colchagua Valley 2017 750ML

Notes:

As always, this Carmenère is intense red color with a violet hue. It offers numerous aromas of tremendous intensity. It clearly expresses notes of ripe fruits, berries, and black plums. Candied notes also appear, along with a very interesting toasted prole that leaves notes of coffee, tobacco, and dulce de leche (caramel). It is smooth on the palate with very good body and a long, vibrant finish.

Vineyards:

The vineyards that produce our Alpha Carmenère are located in two very important zones of the Colchagua Valley—Apalta and Marchigüe.

Apalta is diverse, with some zones that are highly influenced by the Tinguiririca River and others influenced by floods and material fallen from the mountains. The soil tends to be deeper on the plain and shallower at the foot of the mountains and higher up areas. Carmenère vineyards are better when planted on at land, where the soil is deeper and has moderate moisture retention.

Marchigüe is flatter with more gentle hills. Its soils are shallow, in some places it is no more than 60 cm, with medium clay content and a high capacity for water retention. The Carmenere vineyards are located in the lower, flatter zones that are deep and have high moisture retention.

Our vineyards have a density of 5,555 plants per hectare (2,250/acre) and are double guyot trained for an approximate yield of 9,000 kg/ha (3.6 ton/acre). With regards to Carmenère, the leaves closest to the bunches are removed in early January, leaving the bunches completely exposed to achieve even ripening and good levels of acidity and phenolic potential.

Oak Aging:

55% of the wine was aged for 12 months in first, second, and third-use French oak barrels.

• Grape Varieties:
• 90% Carmenere
• 10% Cabernet Sauvignon
• Alcohol: 14.5%
• pH: 3.69
• TS: 3.19 g/L
• RS: 3.8 g/L

Blackberries and dark cherries with hints of flowers, such as violets and lavender. Medium body, firm and fine, chewy tannins and a fruity yet savory finish. Some spice and cedar undertones. Touch of cabernet in here. Drink now. - James Suckling 92 Points