Montes Montes Alpha Merlot 2021

This wine is deep ruby red in colour. On the nose, there are pronounced aromas of fresh red berries and plums, with subtle layers of vanilla, toffee and nut from oak ageing. This is a wonderfully structured Merlot with smooth, round tannins and balanced freshness.

The Merlot grapes were cold soaked at a cool 10°C for 7 days, to extract the maximum amount of aroma and colour. Fermentation took place at controlled temperatures in stainless-steel tanks, for between 8 to 10 days. The must remained on the skins after for a further 15-20 days after fermentation, to add structure and additional colour. Once malolactic conversion had taken place, 55% of the final blend was aged in French oak barrels - 25% of which were new and the remainder second and third use – for 12 months to add complexity and roundness to the finished wine.