Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon
Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon is a benchmark premium Chilean red wine from the Colchagua Valley, crafted mainly from Cabernet Sauvignon (approx. 90%) with a touch of Merlot (around 10%). Produced by pioneering winery Viña Montes, this flagship Alpha cuvée is widely recognised for delivering the power, elegance and value that put Chile’s fine wines on the global map.
In the glass, Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon offers a deep, dark ruby colour. The aroma is intense and layered with ripe black fruits such as figs, blackberries and crème de cassis, intertwined with notes of dark chocolate, leather, sweet tobacco and a hint of cayenne pepper spice. Subtle vanilla and toast from the oak sit in the background.
On the palate, this is a full-bodied, concentrated red with a burst of black fruit on the mid-palate. Rounded, perfectly integrated tannins give a smooth, polished mouthfeel, while balanced acidity keeps the wine lively rather than heavy. Flavours of blackberry, cassis, dark chocolate and tobacco glide into a long, persistent finish with touches of spice and oak.
Aged for about 12 months in French oak barrels (around 50% new), Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon showcases both the ripeness of Colchagua fruit and the finesse of high-quality oak handling. It is a classic partner for red meats, lamb chops, hearty casseroles, grilled steaks and rich pasta dishes such as Bolognese, making it an excellent choice for special dinners and restaurant wine lists in Malaysia, Singapore and across Asia.
Enjoy now after a short decant, or cellar for 6–8 years or more to let the tertiary notes of leather and tobacco deepen.
Q: What is Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon?
A: Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon is a premium Chilean red wine from the Colchagua Valley, made mainly from Cabernet Sauvignon with a small proportion of Merlot. It is known for its rich black-fruit character, smooth tannins and excellent value.
Q: How does Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon taste?
A: It shows ripe black fruits (figs, blackberries, crème de cassis), along with notes of dark chocolate, leather, tobacco and a touch of cayenne pepper. The palate is full-bodied and concentrated, with rounded tannins and a long, fruit-filled finish.
Q: How is Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon aged?
A: The wine is typically aged for about 12 months in French oak barrels, with roughly 50% new oak, which adds complexity, spice and structure without overpowering the fruit.
Q: What food pairs well with Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon?
A: It pairs especially well with red meats, lamb chops, beef steaks, hearty casseroles and rich pasta dishes such as Bolognese, as well as aged cheeses and grilled vegetables.
Q: At what temperature should Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon be served?
A: For best balance, serve it slightly below room temperature, around 17–19°C (62–66°F). A short decant helps open up the aromas and flavours.
Q: Can Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon be cellared?
A: Yes. While enjoyable now, it has the structure to age for 6–8 years or more, developing deeper notes of leather, tobacco and spice over time.
