Viniou Reviews
The Montes Purple Angel 2020 is a captivating red wine hailing from the Colchagua Valley in Chile, an area within the larger Rapel Valley. This wine is predominantly crafted from the Carmenère grape, a variety that thrives in this region. The 2020 vintage is known for its expressive character, characterized by a deep purple hue and rich flavour profile. The terroir of Colchagua Valley, with its mixture of alluvial soils and clay, provides a unique minerality and depth to the wine. The grapes benefit from a warm climate with significant daytime temperatures, ideal for ripening, while cool nights help maintain acidity and freshness.
The Colchagua Valley is a renowned wine-producing region in Chile, often celebrated for its robust reds. Its Mediterranean climate, with dry summers and wet winters, is complemented by the influence of the Andes and the Pacific Ocean, which contribute to a wide diurnal temperature range. This mix of climatic conditions is conducive to producing wines of great balance and complexity. The area has a rich viticultural history, with roots that date back to the Spanish colonisation period, making it one of the most traditional wine regions in the country.
For pairing, the Montes Purple Angel is best enjoyed with dishes that can stand up to its bold structure and intense flavours. Consider pairing it with a slow-cooked beef stew or roasted lamb, which will complement the wine's depth and complexity. Regional Chilean dishes such as empanadas filled with spiced beef or pastel de choclo, a savoury corn pie, would also harmonise beautifully with the wine’s profile.
When it comes to serving, the ideal temperature for this wine is around 16-18°C. This range will allow the wine to express its full bouquet of dark fruit, spice and cacao notes. Decanting ahead of serving can further enhance its complex aromas and smooth tannins, providing a more profound tasting experience.
