Montes Alpha Carmenere 2022 750ml

Montes was co-founded by winemaker Aurelio Montes, and the Montes Alpha range is its signature line. The US importer is Kobrand.

The 2022 is 90% Carmenère and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, from the Finca Apalta estate plus some fruit from Marchigüe, both in Chile's Colchagua Valley. The importer says it spent 12 months in concrete tanks and French oak barrels, half of them new. It's 14.5% alcohol.

The importer describes deep carmine, ripe plum, fig and cherry syrup with toasted French oak, vanilla and sweet spice, and a soft, rounded, full-bodied palate.

Against Garzón Reserva Cabernet Franc, Montes Alpha is riper and fuller; for a rich South American red at $20, choose Montes.

The importer suggests it with red meats, Mongolian beef, pork chops, Bolognese, lamb chops or mushroom ravioli.

Browse more red wine and our wines under $20. Pick it up at our Brooklyn store or get same-day delivery across NYC.