2022 Montes Alpha Carmenère ($24.99)
Montes — officially Viña Montes — was founded in 1987 by four partners with extensive experience in winemaking and viticulture: Aurelio Montes, Douglas Murray, Alfredo Vidaurre, and Pedro Grand. Their founding goal was bold and transformative: to craft premium-quality wines at a time when Chile was largely known for high-volume, inexpensive wine production rather than world-class bottles.
Montes didn’t just make great wine — it rewrote the story of Chilean viticulture. By insisting on premium quality, exploring new terroirs, innovating in both vineyard and cellar practices, and maintaining a deeply Chilean identity without reliance on foreign investment, Montes helped elevate the reputation of an entire nation’s wine industry.
This Montes Alpha Carmenère is produced from 90% Carmenère and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon that were macerated for 5 days after which selected yeasts were added and fermentation lasted 7-10 days. It then underwent malolactic conversion. Some of the wine was then transferred to French oak barrels where it aged for 12 months while the remaining wine was transferred to concrete tanks.
Montes Alpha Carmenère is deep ruby red in color with delicate aromas of both red and black fruit. On the palate this wine is full-bodied with rich flavors of blackberry, blueberry, fig and plums. Its tannins and acidity are well balanced. This wine finishes spicy with a hint of chocolate from its oak aging.
This 2022 Montes Alpha Carmenère is an excellent example of the wines coming out of Chile. It’s great tasting and a super value. A perfect fit as this week’s Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week. Cheers!
Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this sample at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Media Sample Provided by Montes Winery via Kobrand Wine and Spirits