2022 Apalta Vineyard Carignan/Grenache/Mourvèdre, Outer Limits by Montes

• Style: Dry red blend, silky tannins
• Taste: Ripe berries, cinnamon, nutmeg, savoury spice
• Food: Grilled lamb, beef stews, charcuterie, tomato pasta
• Occasion: Weeknight suppers, Sunday lunch
• Serve: 16–18°C, now or age 2–3 years

In the Glass — Tasting Notes

Vibrant red with ripe berries—raspberry, sour cherry, blackberry, blueberry—layered with warm cinnamon and nutmeg. Medium-bodied, silky tannins, bright acidity that lifts without overwhelming, and genuine length. A wine built for immediate appeal and food-friendly depth.

The Winery — Montes

Founded in 1988, Montes set out to produce Chile's finest wines through meticulous attention at every production step. The Outer Limits series reflects founder Aurelio Montes' vision to push Chilean viticulture in bold new directions. The 2022 vintage from La Finca Apalta—45 hectares on granitic slopes with ocean influence 55 kilometres distant—benefited from ideal growing conditions: cool nights during veraison extended ripening, building colour and depth without excess. Careful skin contact and partial concrete ageing refined the structure. These wines reward immediate enjoyment or patient cellaring, developing wonderfully complex character over a few years.

At Your Table — Food Pairing & Serving

A superb food wine: pair with grilled lamb, beef stews, smoked or charred dishes, charcuterie, and tomato-based pasta. The acidity and tannin structure make it equally at home at weeknight suppers or slightly more considered Sunday occasions. Vegan-friendly. If you're exploring Carignan as a serious grape beyond rustic tradition, this is an excellent starting point. Discover how old-vine varieties are being revived by comparing alongside our Grenache & Garnacha and Graciano & Mazuelo selections.