Montes Alpha, Merlot 2022
Product Information
Country Chile
Region Colchagua
Grape Variety 90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc
Vintage 2022
ABV 14.5%
Discover the elegance and depth of Montes Alpha Merlot 2022, a benchmark Chilean Merlot crafted from high-quality vineyards in the renowned Colchagua Valley. Sourced primarily from the El Arcángel de Marchigüe estate, this vintage showcases exceptional terroir and masterful winemaking.
Vineyards
The Merlot grapes thrive in granitic soils at varying stages of decomposition, enriched with natural clay and organic matter. Carefully managed using the double Guyot system, the vines deliver balanced growth and concentrated fruit, producing approximately 7,000 kg per hectare. These ideal conditions contribute to a wine layered with character, complexity, and freshness.
Vintage
The 2022 vintage brought outstanding fruit quality thanks to an extended, and unusually favourable, harvest window. A dry, cool winter followed by limited spring rainfall created optimal conditions for healthy vine development. Although grape clusters were around 15% lighter than average, the extended harvest period, from March 3rd to May 12th, allowed for slow, even ripening. Cooler night-time temperatures from late February enhanced flavour concentration and preserved the grapes’ natural acidity. The result: exceptionally expressive Merlot with refined structure.
Vinification
To capture the full aromatic potential of the Merlot grapes, they undergo a 7-day cold soak at 10°C. Fermentation follows in stainless-steel tanks for 7–10 days, with an extended 15–20 days of maceration to achieve optimal colour and tannin extraction. After malolactic conversion, 55% of the wine ages in French oak barrels (a mix of first, second, and third fill), while the remainder rests in concrete tanks for 12 months, adding finesse and roundness.
Tasting Notes
A vibrant deep ruby-red Merlot with bright, expressive aromas of fresh red berries, juicy plums, and elegant notes of vanilla, toffee, and roasted nuts from its time in oak. Smooth, rounded tannins and balanced freshness give this wine superb structure and approachability. Perfect with roasted meats, pasta dishes, and mature cheeses, or enjoyed simply on its own.
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.
