# Montes Alpha Pinot Noir (2021)

- **Producer:** Montes
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Pinot Noir
- **Region:** Aconcagua Valley, Chile
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.0%
- **Average price:** €14
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 14–15 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** red cherry, strawberry, raspberry, cranberry, red plum, cloves, vanilla, forest floor, earth

## About this wine

The Montes Alpha Pinot Noir 2021 is a 100% Pinot Noir from the Aconcagua Costa region of Chile. Montes Wines, established in 1987 by four friends, is known for its commitment to quality and sustainability. The Aconcagua Costa's proximity to the Pacific Ocean creates a cool climate ideal for slow grape ripening. The 2021 vintage was characterized by a cool growing season with specific weather events impacting the harvest. Montes Alpha represents a significant step in the producer's journey to create world-class Chilean wines.

## Interesting facts

- Montes Alpha was a trailblazer, helping to establish premium Chilean wine on the world stage.
- Vineyards are located just miles from the Pacific Ocean.
- The 2021 vintage faced challenging post-ripening weather requiring extra vineyard care.
- Hand-picked grapes are transported in small, 10kg trays.

## Food pairing

The wine's balanced acidity and soft tannins complement lean proteins and richer dishes without overpowering them. Herbal notes in the wine can echo those found in accompanying dishes, creating a harmonious connection.

## Wine making process

The Montes Alpha Pinot Noir 2021 is produced from hand-picked grapes harvested in the early morning. Following careful inspection, various maceration and fermentation techniques are employed, including carbonic maceration, and fermentation of destemmed, semi-destemmed, and whole cluster grapes at low temperatures for approximately seven days. A portion of the wine, around 40%, is aged in French oak barrels for 10-12 months, with one-third of these being new barrels.