The Story
The vineyards destined to produce our Montes Alpha Chardonnay are located in the Casablanca Valley, within the Aconcagua wine region. This valley is known for its recognizable gustatory sensations, which collectively known as “cold climate typicity.” This basically consists of notes of asparagus, citrus, and a tremendous sensation of freshness on the palate. All of the vineyards are trellised to vertical shoot position and drip irrigated. Yields naturally range from 8,000 to 9,000 kg per hectare without the need for crop thinning. This low natural fruit load ensures us that the grapes will be very well distributed on the vines and be well ventilated, which in turn results in healthy grapes that ripen evenly.
Delicious, full-bodied, complex and creamy in the mid-palate, our Alpha Chardonnay is one of the few Chilean whites wines that will improve with age. The 1998 vintage was selected as ‘World Champion Chardonnay’ by Slow Food of Italy, after simultaneous tastings in 26 cities around the world, covered live by BBC-TV in London. Grapes are sourced from the renowned white wine area, Casablanca Valley. Fermented and aged in French oak barrels for one year; 40% of the wine undergoes secondary ‘malolactic fermentation’ to enhance buttery flavors. A monthly stirring of the wine or batonage enhances flavor and aroma complexity.
Wine Information
Alcohol: 14.0%
pH: 3.30 g/l
Residual Sugar: 2.39 g/l