Montes, Alpha M 2020

Product Information

Country Chile

Region Apalta

Grape Variety 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, 5% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot

Vintage 2020

ABV 14.5%

Montes Alpha M 2020 is crafted from select parcels within the renowned Finca Apalta estate in Chile’s prestigious Apalta Valley, considered one of the country’s finest regions for premium red wine. The vines are planted on dramatic 45° slopes, ensuring ideal sun exposure for even, concentrated ripening. Although situated 60km from the Pacific Ocean, the cool coastal breezes help moderate the warm climate, while low night-time temperatures slow the ripening process. This extended maturation preserves varietal aromas, natural acidity, and exceptional flavour depth.
All grapes are hand-harvested, with very low yields of 3.5–4 tonnes per hectare, resulting in outstanding concentration and quality.

Vintage Characteristics – 2020
The 2019–2020 season brought another extremely dry winter, causing yields to drop by approximately 15–20%. With no significant frost in spring, vines developed a healthy canopy for flowering. A warm summer accelerated ripening, bringing harvest forward by nearly one month and contributing to the intensity and purity of the 2020 vintage.

Winemaking & Ageing
Grapes were hand-picked in 8kg boxes during the coolest hours of the day to preserve freshness. After meticulous sorting, berries were gently transferred by gravity to stainless-steel tanks. A cold soak at 9°C for a minimum of five days enhanced colour extraction and aromatic expression.
Fermentation lasted 10 days at 28°C, followed by up to 10 days of maceration. The wine was then moved into French oak barrels for 18 months of ageing, adding complexity, structure, and refined elegance.

Tasting Notes
Montes Alpha M 2020 displays a deep ruby-red hue with expressive aromas of ripe strawberry, cherry, cassis, fresh mint, and a hint of sweet candy. The extended French oak ageing contributes delicate layers of tobacco, toast, and spice, beautifully integrated with the fruit.
On the palate, this premium Chilean red is balanced, silky, and concentrated, offering a long, satisfying finish. A superb choice for collectors or lovers of refined, full-bodied wines.

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 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.