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Chile
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Chilean wine production dates back to the 1500s, when Spanish conquistadors brought vines with them while colonizing the region. French vines were introduced to the region three centuries later. Because the country was an ocean away from the phylloxera plague that destroyed vines in France and the rest of Europe, the country remains one of the few places in the world where French varietals are grown on their own rootstock; nearly everywhere else they are grafted onto disease-resistant rootstock from another type of vine. Over the past 30 years, Chilean wine production has taken off and the country is now the fifth largest exporter of wines in the world. Most of its production comes from an 800 mile stretch of land near the geographical center of this long, north-to-south country positioned between the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Andes Mountains to the east. Valle Central, Chile's most famous growing region, is located in the heart of that 800 mile stretch. The most common grapes used in Chilean wine are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Carmenère, which has become the country’s signature red wine grape. |
Merlot
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Merlot still suffers from the negative publicity it received in 2004 from the wine-themed movie Sideways. But even before that movie, Merlot had begun to be perceived as a beginner’s wine — soft and simple. We think that’s an unfair conclusion: inferior examples of Merlot are usually the result of overprinting in the wrong soil types rather than any intrinsic deficiencies in the grape. In fact, some of the most sought-after collectible wines are Merlot-based, including the great Bordeaux of Pomerol and Saint-Émilion. A single bottle of the current vintage of Château Pétrus will fetch prices in the neighborhood of $4,000! How can one grape manifests itself as both wine plonk and memorable classics? Seemingly a wine paradox, Merlot’s identify crisis may be cleared up by this oft-repeated winemaker’s adage: The quality of the wine is directly proportional to the quality of the vineyards. Merlot is the second-most planted red wine grape in the world, so there is bound to be variation in quality. As with all grapes, location and the reputation of the winemaker are the two most important details when it comes to producing great wine. The characteristics that make Merlot a noble wine worthy of seeking out are its potential for aging, full, ripe berry flavors, plumy or fruitcake middle and, yes, that velvety, plush finish. |
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Montes Alpha Merlot
2004 / 750 ml.
Chile | Valle Central | Colchagua ValleyItem #27042Limited inventory.
11 bottles or less in stock; we will confirm your order by email.
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