Montes Alpha Syrah 2019

Colchagua is one of the Chilean wine valleys with the most international prestige, in which Viña Montes was a pioneer in establishing its production. This valley is located in the central zone of Chile, less than two hours driving from its capital, Santiago. Our beautiful vineyards are located in one of the best terroirs in the area, Apalta. Its unique characteristics and location, allow a mild exposure to the sun of the vines, which contributes to a slow, although more complete maturation of the grapes. In the same valley, between the Coastal Range and the sea, we find our Marchigüe vineyards, immersed in an undulating landscape that ends in the Pacific Ocean (25 km away), where our red grapes mature slowly under the influence of somewhat colder temperatures.

For the 2019 vintage, Montes Alpha Syrah has 90% Syrah fruit, the rest had been completed by 7% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Viognier. Vineyard yield is controlled at 7 tonnes per hectare. Syrah vines are a mixed clones, but largely clone 99, 100, 174, 300, 470. The mix ensures a balanced body and intense aromatic expression.

2019 vintage, last of the fruits are gathered into the winery by 15th April. The grapes were harvested into 300-kg containers, and upon arrival at the winery, selected by hand before destemming. Grapes of Alpha quality were macerated in the fermentation tank for 5 days. afterwards, selected yeasts were added for a perfectly controlled fermentation that lasted for 7–10 days, until all the sugar had been converted into alcohol. The wine was racked into both stainless steel and concrete tanks, kept at the optimal temperature for malolactic fermentation—which can occur very quickly or take up to 20 days.

The wine upon completion, 55% are placed in French oak barrels to age for one year. Of the oak used, 50% are new oak.

The wine can age gracefully for up to 10 years. During which its quality would see steady improvement. If opening now, the wine would display aromatic nose with outstanding aromas of ripe black fruits such as blackberries and figs. Aromas of crème de cassis meld with mild notes of leather and dark chocolate, which are very characteristic of Syrah from Colchagua. The palate is well balanced with rich acidity, incredibly smooth tannins, tremendous structure, and generous volume.