Purple Angel comes from Montes' Finca Apalta Estate vineyard with some additions from their Marchigüe Estate vineyard. These two unique vineyards feature granite-rich soils in differing degrees of decomposition.The granitic soil of both vineyards boast incredible diversity, varied in the clay content, depth, and amount of organic matter, with stones ranging from fluvial to glacial origins. Some zones are influenced by the Tinguiririca River while others are marked by mudslides and the detachment of material from high above in the mountain chain that delimits the valley. One of Chile's most celebrated wines, Purple Angel's Carmenère is planted in deep, rich soils, with moderate water retention, while the Petit Verdot comes from Marchigüe's wind-swept slopes.

97 Points
jamessuckling.com
2021 vintage
94 Points
VinousMedia.com
2021 vintage
Harvest Note
Concentrated winter rains totaling 20 inches provided a important water supply for the vineyards at a level not experienced in more than ten years. Budbreak and fruit set took place as expected, without spring frost, assuring the production of good-quality bunches. Significant rain after ripening created a huge amount of work in the vineyards to increase ventilation and enhance fruit drying. Timely action allowed winemakers to reach harvest with healthy grapes of good quality. Generally speaking, the season was cooler than the previous one, resulting in better color and aroma concentration and fresh wines with great personality.
Tasting Note
Deep brick-red in colour, typical of the Carmenère variety, the aromas are intense, with ripe blackberry, plum, and blueberry. On the palate, black and blue fruit is completmented by sweet spice, pink pepper, coffee, and tobacco. The palate is balanced and silky, with a caramel-like body and very long finish.
Food Pairing
Pairs well with red meat, rosemary lamp chops, pork ribs, or cannelloni.
Technical Data
GRAPES: 92% Carmenère, 8% Petit Verdot
APPELLATION: Colchagua Valley
PH: 3.5
ACIDITY: 3.7 g/l
ABV: 14.5%
AGING: 70% of this wine was aged for 18 months in first-use French oak barrels, and 30% aged in second- and third-use use barrels
Unique Selling Points
  • Recognised as the best Chilean Carmenère, described as a “wine from another planet”
  • Variety only reappeared in 1993, after it was thought to be extinct for 200 years
  • Vineyards in Apalta, Colchagua Valley

About the Grape

Carmenère
Carmenère has spicy red berry aromas and black plum flavors, with a pronounced leafy and green bell pepper edge, and notes of grilled meat and coffee.
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