Montes Classic Series Colchagua Merlot 2022

Montes Classic Series Colchagua Merlot

Region: Colchagua Valley, Central Valley, Chile

Vintage: 2022

Bottle size: 75cl

Grape: Merlot

ABV: 14.5%

Bright ruby red in colour, the wine’s predominant aromas are of fresh red cherry and raspberry. There are also notes of blackberry and red plum, mixed with the toasted aromas acquired by the time in French oak, including hazelnut and pistachio, as well as notes of vanilla and toffee, lending the wine great complexity. The palate is balanced and fresh, with medium body and a long finish.

The fact that the outstanding ‘Classic Series’ is Montes’ entry point says a lot about this producer. All the grapes are hand-picked from estate-owned vineyards across DO Valle Central.

When they started producing Montes Alpha in 1987, they needed balanced yields and to harvest when the grapes were ripe. They adapted these practices to all their vineyards and the results were startling. Montes’ own vineyards now cover 75% of their requirements. The other 25% of fruit is produced in vineyards that they have planted, cultivated and picked. In other words, they control everything except the ownership of the land. In addition to this control over the vineyard, they also sell in bulk what is not good enough to go into the bottles that carry their label. Having made the selection in the vineyard, they are able to make a further selection in the winery. The results are there for you to taste. In 2020, Aurelio Montes’ illustrious career was recognised in the form of the International Wine Challenge’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

https://www.monteswines.com