# Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon (2022)

- **Producer:** Montes S.A.
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
- **Region:** Rapel Valley, Chile
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.5%
- **Average price:** €20
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** blackcurrant, black cherry, fig, crème de cassis, vanilla, cloves, cedar, coffee, chocolate, tobacco, paprika, dark olives

## About this wine

The Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 hails from the esteemed Colchagua Valley in Chile. This wine is a testament to Montes S.A.'s pioneering spirit, established in 1987 with a vision to showcase Chile's winemaking potential. The producer's philosophy emphasizes curiosity, environmental stewardship, and a long-term perspective, evident in their unique Apalta winery designed with Feng Shui principles. The Colchagua Valley's Mediterranean climate provides ideal conditions for Cabernet Sauvignon, fostering steady ripening and acidity balance. This wine represents a significant milestone in Chilean wine history, setting a benchmark for quality and elegance.

## Interesting facts

- Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon, from the 1987 vintage, was first released in 1988, pioneering premium Chilean wines.
- The Apalta winery is designed using Feng Shui principles.
- Gregorian chants are played in the barrel room, believed to aid wine aging.
- Sustainable farming practices have reduced water usage by 65%.

## Food pairing

The wine's firm, polished tannins and full body are well-suited to complement the protein and fat in red meats, creating a balanced palate. Its spirited acidity cuts through richness, while notes of dark fruit and spice can echo or contrast with savory dishes.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process for Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon begins with hand-harvested grapes, meticulously selected for quality. A cold soak at 10°C for five days precedes fermentation in stainless steel tanks, where the wine stays on its skins for 7-10 days to enhance structure and color. Malolactic fermentation follows in steel or concrete vats. The wine is then aged for 12 months in French oak barrels, with 50% new oak, contributing to its complexity. Throughout the process, gravity is used to move wine, minimizing mechanical stress. Sustainable practices are integral, including a 'Sustainable Dry Farmed' system that significantly reduces water consumption.