“Purple Angel” Colchagua 2021 – Montes

The “Purple Angel” Colchagua 2020 by Montes is a heralded embodiment of Chile’s viticultural prowess, particularly within the esteemed Colchagua Valley. This wine, named “Purple Angel” to signify its almost divine quality and the deep, rich purple hue characteristic of the Carmenère grape, represents the zenith of Chilean winemaking. It pays homage to the Carmenère varietal, once thought lost but rediscovered in Chile, where it has flourished, becoming the country’s signature grape. The “Purple Angel” is not only a testament to the Carmenère’s revival but also a celebration of its exceptional adaptation to the Colchagua Valley’s terroir.

The Colchagua Valley, nestled in the heart of Chile’s central wine region, is renowned for its ideal wine-growing conditions, characterized by a Mediterranean climate with a wide diurnal temperature range. This climate, along with the valley’s diverse soil types, from alluvial on the valley floor to granitic on the hillsides, creates an environment where Carmenère can express its full potential. The “Purple Angel” benefits from this unique terroir, showcasing the depth, complexity, and vibrancy that Carmenère can achieve in Colchagua.

Montes, a winery at the forefront of innovative viticulture and winemaking practices in Chile, has meticulously crafted the “Purple Angel” to reflect both the varietal’s heritage and its modern renaissance. The 2020 vintage is particularly notable for its favorable growing conditions, which allowed for optimal ripening of the Carmenère grapes. The wine is predominantly Carmenère, blended with a small percentage of Petit Verdot to enhance its structure and depth. This careful selection and blending underscore Montes’ commitment to producing wines of unparalleled quality and character.

The vinification process of the “Purple Angel” involves selective handpicking of the grapes, followed by a rigorous sorting to ensure only the best fruit is used. The wine undergoes extended maceration and fermentation in stainless steel tanks to preserve its fruit-forward character, followed by aging in French oak barrels. This aging process not only imparts additional complexity and nuance to the wine but also allows the Carmenère’s natural flavors to meld harmoniously with the oak, resulting in a wine that is both powerful and elegant.

Tasting the “Purple Angel” Colchagua 2020 reveals a wine of extraordinary complexity and allure. The nose is greeted with an intoxicating blend of dark fruits, such as blackberry and plum, complemented by notes of spice, chocolate, and a hint of green pepper, a signature characteristic of Carmenère. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and rich, with a velvety texture that envelopes the mouth. The dark fruit flavors are enriched by layers of spice, mocha, and vanilla, leading to a long, satisfying finish that lingers, inviting further exploration.

The “Purple Angel” stands as a beacon of Chile’s wine industry, exemplifying the potential of the Carmenère grape when nurtured in the Colchagua Valley’s favorable conditions. It is a wine that transcends its components, offering a glimpse into the soul of Chilean winemaking and the magic of the Carmenère varietal. Through the “Purple Angel,” Montes invites wine enthusiasts to discover the depth, elegance, and unique character of Colchagua’s terroir, embodied in a wine that is both a tribute to the past and a bold statement of the future.

In essence, the “Purple Angel” Colchagua 2020 by Montes is more than just a wine; it is a narrative of revival, innovation, and excellence. It celebrates the rediscovery and transformation of the Carmenère grape into Chile’s flagship varietal, showcasing the unique synergy between varietal and terroir that defines the best of Colchagua Valley. Through this wine, Montes not only pays homage to the “Purple Angel” but also to the pioneering spirit that continues to drive Chilean winemaking forward, crafting wines that resonate with passion, heritage, and an unwavering pursuit of quality.