After gentle hand-harvesting, the must was fermented and subsequently aged for a full eighteen months in new French oak barrels. Before bottling, the wine was very lightly filtered to preserve a variety of flavors, tannins, and color. The name Montes is partly a reference to the massive mountain range, the Andes, which significantly determine the climate in Chile.
The grapes for the Montes Alpha M come from the high plains of the Apalta Valley, with a 45° slope, from the Finca de Apalta. The term micro-climate fits this valley in Colchagua perfectly. It has the shape of a crescent moon. Ending in the north with huge, rocky mountains that frame the small valley, the Tinguiririca River borders this growing area in the south. From the Finca, you can see, and almost feel, the majestic Andes. The narrow Colchagua Valley benefits from a fine sea breeze that cools the valley from the summer heat. The winery is enveloped by a granite mountain, with oak trees at the top of the vineyard.
Natural, gentle, traditional cultivation methods, extremely low yields, and hand-picked and selected grapes are the basis for this ultra-premium wine. Although Apalta is still a kind of sub-region of Santa Cruz, it is gaining more and more individual prestige and recognition. Sooner or later, Aurelio Montes is quite certain, Apalta will be considered an independent region.
Color: deep, dense red with dark reflections Aroma: concentrated power and freshness, plenty of cherry, pepper, tobacco, and finely integrated oak Taste: concentrated and juicy, appears elegant and with lean, classic tannins of a high standard, fine fruit on the palate, enchanting interplay of aromas in the finish.
Wine Advocate: 92 points
Wine Spectator May 2007: 94 points
