Pure elegance—that's what we tasted in this top-notch wine from Montes de Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon! A true masterpiece where power and finesse are paramount. This isn't surprising, as Montes boasts a wealth of experience. It was back in 1987 that Aurelio Montes and three partners founded the winery in Chile's most beautiful setting. They started small with a few vineyards, but these have since been replaced by a whopping 600 hectares of vineyards. Despite this rapid growth, the quality of the wines has never been compromised, and they still produce wines according to Aurelio's principles. His son, Aurelio Jr., has now taken over the reins, guaranteeing Montes' future. In recent years, the winery has invested heavily in new techniques and a completely renovated winery, built according to Feng Shui principles.
The harvest for the Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon
For these top-quality wines, the Cabernet Sauvignon is grown in the Colchagua Valley, specifically in the Apalta and Marchigüe vineyards. These very old vineyards benefit from a diverse soil structure, which is reflected in the robust flavor. Abundant clay, organic matter, and gravel define the character, and the Cabernet Sauvignon can develop deep roots. The wind from the river slows down the rapid ripening process and provides the harvest with the necessary cooling. This allows the bunches to ripen slowly and evenly, contributing to the quality of the harvest. All bunches are harvested by hand, early in the morning. This prevents damage during transport to Montes.
Wood aging for the Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon
After pressing, the black juice is aged for a full twelve months in oak, using both new and used barrels to enhance its diversity. Well, leave that to Montes, because this is a truly robust wine! Upon pouring, a deep dark red color clings to the glass. The most beautiful aromas emerge, with notes of red berries, jam, blackcurrant, strawberry, chocolate, black pepper, and a touch of cedar. The palate is very powerful, and the palate is pampered by black fruit and spices. The rich attack later reveals nuances of cedar and sweet herbs. A full and ripe finish concludes, and in our opinion, it's a wine straight out of a storybook.