Montes Alpha, Carmenère 2021
Product Information
Country Chile
Region Colchagua
Grape Variety 90% Carmenère, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintage 2021
ABV 14.5%
Indulge in the rich, full-bodied character of Montes Alpha Carmenère 2021, a standout premium red wine from Chile’s renowned Colchagua Valley. Crafted from hand-harvested grapes grown in the prestigious Apalta and Marchigüe vineyards, this Carmenère is the perfect expression of terroir, tradition, and expert winemaking.
Sustainable Vineyards & Ideal Growing Conditions
Sourced from Montes' own vineyards in Apalta and Marchigüe, the grapes benefit from sustainable dry-farming practices that ensure concentrated fruit and minimal water use. The Apalta vines grow on steep 45° slopes, where cool ocean breezes and chilly nights extend the ripening process for optimal flavour. Marchigüe’s drier, ocean-cooled climate provides consistently healthy fruit thanks to natural protection from the Coastal Range.
2021 Vintage – A Testament to Skilled Vineyard Management
The 2021 growing season brought early spring rains and a cool, dry autumn—ideal for slow, even ripening. Despite mid-season challenges, Montes’ expert vineyard management delivered healthy, high-quality grapes picked at peak ripeness.
Traditional Vinification & French Oak Ageing
Each grape was hand-harvested and double-sorted before undergoing cold maceration and fermentation with selected yeasts. The wine was aged for 12 months in 50% new French oak barrels, with the remainder matured in concrete tanks to preserve fruit purity and balance.
Tasting Notes
A deep ruby red with violet tones, Montes Alpha Carmenère 2021 delivers intense aromas of plum, black cherry, cassis, and dark chocolate, lifted by hints of sweet spice. On the palate, expect well-integrated oak, silky tannins, and a vibrant fruit core. A full-bodied red wine with structure and elegance in every sip.
Perfect Pairing: Enjoy this Chilean Carmenère with grilled meats, spicy dishes, or aged cheeses.
Montes Wines – Premium Chilean Wines from Apalta & Colchagua Valley
Founded in 1987 by winemaker Aurelio Montes and his visionary partners, Montes Winery has become a global symbol of premium Chilean wine. At a time when Chile was little known for high-end wines, their mission was clear: to craft world-class wines that showcased the country's untapped potential.
Shop Premium Wines from Chile’s Top Wine Regions
Montes is a leading name in Chilean viticulture, with vineyards in the renowned Apalta and Colchagua Valley wine regions. The Apalta vineyard, with its rugged slopes and granite-rich, poor soils, proved ideal for low-yield, high-quality grape growing. Aurelio Montes was the first to recognize its potential, turning a once-barren land into one of Chile’s most prestigious wine appellations. In 2018, Apalta officially achieved DO (Denomination of Origin) status—thanks in no small part to Montes' advocacy.
In 2024, Montes became B-Corp Certified, reinforcing their dedication to sustainable winemaking in Chile. They use a proprietary Sustainable Dry Farming irrigation system, cutting water use by 65% while enhancing fruit concentration.
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Montes Alpha M – Chilean Bordeaux Blend
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc, Alpha M is a sophisticated take on the classic Bordeaux style, made with fruit from Apalta's best vineyard sites.
Montes Purple Angel – Premium Carménère
This full-bodied red wine blends Carménère and Petit Verdot from Apalta and Marchigüe and consistently earns 97+ points from critics like James Suckling.
Montes Alpha Collection – Shop Chile’s Best Value Premium Wines
The Montes Alpha range started with the game-changing Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon in 1987, proving Chile’s capability in producing premium wines. Now expanded to include:
• Montes Alpha Carmenère – Smoky, spicy, and smooth
• Montes Alpha Merlot – Soft, fleshy, and full of ripe fruit
• Montes Alpha Chardonnay – Rich, tropical, and well-balanced white wine
Each wine is crafted with minimal intervention, precision irrigation, and a commitment to sustainable viticulture.
