2021 Carmenere, Montes Alpha

Smooth, expressive and unmistakably Carménère, this opens with ripe blackberry, black cherry and plum, followed by notes of dark chocolate, clove and a gentle lift of green pepper and dried herbs. The palate is plush and flowing, with generous dark fruit wrapped in velvety tannins, balanced by fresh acidity and a subtle savoury edge that adds complexity without interrupting the glide. Polished and confident, it finishes long, warming and quietly persuasive.

For when: you want richness with a bit of intrigue.
Pairs with: grilled lamb, spiced beef, roasted vegetables, or dishes with paprika and herbs.
If this wine were… a late-night jazz track, smooth, smoky, and effortlessly cool.

Montes Alpha sits at the premium heart of the Montes range, showcasing the winery’s most expressive varietal and site-led wines. Founded by Aurelio Montes in the late 1980s, Montes has played a defining role in elevating Chilean wine, with Carménère becoming one of its signature strengths. Sourced from carefully selected vineyards in Colchagua Valley, where warm days and cooling influences allow full ripening while preserving freshness, this wine is crafted with gentle extraction and thoughtful oak ageing. The result is a refined, modern expression of Carménère, polished, balanced and confidently Chilean.