Montes Alpha 'm' 2018

Category:
 
Red Wines
Sub-Category:  
 
Red Wines
Producer:
 
Montes
Label Name:
 
Alpha 'm'
Vintage:
 
2018
Country:
 
Chile
Region:
 
Apalta, Colchagua Valley
Volume:
 
750ml
ABV:
 
14.5%
Grape(s):
 
80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, 5% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot
Acidity:
 
3
Tannins:
 
4
Sweetness:
 
1
Body:
 
5
Length:
 
4
Aroma Intensity:
 
4
Best Temperature:
 
16-18°C

Awards/Ratings
James Suckling 96; Decanter 96; Wine Spectator 95; Wine Enthusiast 93; Vinous 93; Decanter World Wine Awards Silver (2021)

Tasting Note
Perfumed, complex nose of blackcurrant, blackberry, cherry, graphite, tobacco and dark chocolate; full-bodied with silky yet firm tannins, vibrant acidity and a long, spice-tinged finish.

Food Pairing
Western: grilled ribeye, roast lamb, duck confit, mature hard cheeses. Asian: Korean BBQ (bulgogi), Peking duck, char siu, lamb masala, Sichuan pepper beef.

Production Method
Hand-harvested, meticulous berry selection; fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel; aged ~18 months in French oak barrels (≈80% new); lightly filtered before bottling.

Vineyard Info
Viña Montes, founded in 1988 by Aurelio Montes, is a leading Colchagua producer. Alpha M is their ultra‑premium Apalta single‑estate Bordeaux blend, released only in exceptional years.