Montes Alpha Carmenere 2021

Category:
 
Red Wines
Sub-Category:  
 
Red Wines
Producer:
 
Montes
Label Name:
 
Alpha Carmenere
Vintage:
 
2021
Country:
 
Chile
Region:
 
Colchagua Valley (Rapel Valley)
Volume:
 
750ml
ABV:
 
14.5%
Grape(s):
 
90% Carmenere, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon
Acidity:
 
3
Tannins:
 
3
Sweetness:
 
1
Body:
 
4
Length:
 
4
Aroma Intensity:
 
4
Best Temperature:
 
16-18°C

Awards/Ratings
James Suckling 92 pts (2021); Gismondi ~90 pts (16. 5/20); Ken's Wine Guide ~90; reviewed by Decanter and listed on Wine. com (generally favorable scores)

Tasting Note
Rich black-fruit core of blackberry, fig and plum with dark chocolate, black pepper, tobacco and balsamic notes. Smooth, full-bodied with ripe, integrated tannins and a long, savory finish.

Food Pairing
Grilled steak, roast lamb, beef Bolognese, roasted root vegetables; Asian pairings: Mongolian beef, Korean BBQ, char siu, spicy Sichuan beef. Also pairs with aged hard cheeses and mushroom dishes.

Production Method
Hand-harvested fruit from Apalta and Marchigüe; cold maceration, ~10-day alcoholic fermentation; aged 12 months in French oak barrels (≈50% new); bottled largely unfiltered. Uses targeted water-saving viticulture.

Vineyard Info
Viña Montes, founded 1987 by Aurelio Montes. Alpha range highlights selected terroirs (Apalta, Marchigüe) and Montes' pioneering premium Chilean winemaking.