Montes Alpha Merlot 2021

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

Awards/Ratings
James Suckling 92 points (2021). Retail product pages and Montes materials list high scores for Alpha Merlot

Tasting Note
Deep ruby with violet rim. Aromas of blackberries, plums, figs and violets with black pepper, tobacco and vanilla. Silky medium-body with crème de cassis, smooth round tannins and a long, lingering finish.

Food Pairing
Western: grilled steak, roast lamb, beef stews, mushroom risotto, aged cheeses. Asian: Korean bulgogi, Japanese teriyaki, Cantonese roast pork (char siu), Sichuan-style beef, yakitori.

Production Method
Primary fermentation followed by malolactic; 55% of blend aged 12 months in French oak (new, second- and third-fill). Vineyards managed with Water Saving Winegrowing methods.

Vineyard Info
Produced by Viña Montes (founded by Aurelio Montes). Alpha is the estate’s flagship range with grapes from Marchigüe and Apalta vineyards in Colchagua.