Montes Alpha Carmenere

Tasting Notes Montes Alpha Carmenère

Sweet and complex aroma, white pepper, red berries, chocolate, vanilla and plums. Full-bodied and rich in flavor, notable for its soft tannin structure and long finish. A deep and lively ruby red color.

Wine & Food

Montes Alpha Carmenère pairs well, as befits a South American, with 'churrasco', or grilled red meat. Also perfect with pork chops, spaghetti Bolognese, lamb chops, and stews.

Additional information

Montes Alpha Carmenère comes from the Colchagua Valley, with grapes from Apalta and Marchigüe, among others. Carmenère has grown to become one of Chile's signature grapes, but originally the grape comes from Bordeaux.

The grapes are hand-picked and strictly selected. After a cold maceration, fermentation takes place at a controlled temperature. Subsequently, the wine undergoes malolactic fermentation.

The wine then ages for approximately 12 months in French oak barrels, some of which are new barrels. A small portion of the wine is aged in concrete before the final blend is assembled. The wood aging gives the wine extra structure and notes of vanilla, toast, and sweet spices, while preserving the fruity and spicy character of the Carmenère.

Awards/Distinctions

• 91 points – Wine Advocate, 2022 vintage
• 90 points – Wine Spectator, 2022 vintage
• 90 points – Wine Enthusiast, 2022 vintage

In addition, the 2021 vintage achieved:

• 93 points – Alistair Cooper MW
• 92 points – Tim Atkin
• 92 points – James Suckling

Fun Fact

For many years, Carmenère in Chile was mistaken for Merlot. It was not until 1994 that the French ampelographer Jean-Michel Boursiquot discovered that many Chilean Merlot vines were actually Carmenère. The grape then became a kind of calling card for Chilean viticulture.