Cabernet Sauvignon Colchagua 2021 – Montes Alpha

The grapes to produce the Cabernet Sauvignon Colchagua Montes Alpha, were cold soaked at 10°C for five days to extract aroma and colour. The grapes were then fermented in stainless steel tanks for 12 days and kept on their skins to give structure and colour. After malolactic fermentation, 55% of the final blend was aged in French oak barrels (first, second and third use) for 12 months to add complexity and roundness to the wine.

The grapes come from Montes’ vineyards in Apalta and Marchigüe. The sites are irrigated via a ‘Sustainable Dry Farmed’ system which allows for precise and minimal irrigating, reducing their water footprint by 65%. In Apalta, vines are planted on 45° slopes, providing good exposure for ripeness. Low night-time temperatures moderate this warm area, ensuring the grapes ripen steadily and thus preserving good levels of natural acidity. Marchigüe is cooler and lies in the rain shadow of the Coastal Range, reducing the threat of fungal disease and resulting in consistently healthy harvests. All grapes were hand harvested.