Nestled in the foothills of the Andes Mountains in Chile, Montes Winery stands as a beacon of innovation and excellence in South American winemaking. Founded in 1987 by Aurelio Montes and Douglas Murray, Montes has become synonymous with premium Chilean wines that reflect the diverse terroirs of the region. Join us on a journey to explore the story, philosophy, and distinctive wines that define the Montes winemaking experience.
Founding Vision: Aurelio Montes, along with his partners, envisioned creating wines that would showcase the unique character of Chile’s vineyards. Their ambition was to produce world-class wines that captured the essence of the country’s diverse climates and soils.
Commitment to Sustainability: Montes Winery is a pioneer in sustainable viticulture in Chile. The winery embraces environmentally friendly practices, including the use of organic and biodynamic principles in their vineyard management. This commitment to sustainability reflects a holistic approach to winemaking that considers the health of the land and the well-being of future generations.
Vineyards Across Chile: Montes sources grapes from various regions, each contributing distinct characteristics to their wines. From the Colchagua Valley to the Casablanca Valley, Montes leverages the diverse terroirs to craft a range of wines that express the richness and complexity of Chilean viticulture.
Iconic Wines:
- Montes Alpha M: A Bordeaux-style blend, Montes Alpha M is a flagship wine that combines Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. Known for its depth, structure, and aging potential, Alpha M is a testament to Montes’ pursuit of excellence.
- Montes Folly: Crafted exclusively from Syrah grapes, Montes Folly is a bold and expressive wine that showcases the potential of this grape in the Colchagua Valley. With its intense flavors and velvety texture, Folly has gained recognition as a premium expression of Chilean Syrah.
- Montes Outer Limits: This series of wines pushes the boundaries of winemaking, exploring lesser-known varieties and terroirs. Wines like the Outer Limits Cinsault and Carignan offer a fresh perspective on Chilean winemaking, highlighting the country’s versatility.
Aurelio Montes’ Winemaking Philosophy: Aurelio Montes’ winemaking philosophy revolves around a deep respect for nature and a commitment to showcasing the authentic character of each grape variety. He believes in minimal intervention in the winemaking process, allowing the grapes to express their unique qualities.
Artistry in Label Design: Montes wines are adorned with labels featuring vibrant and imaginative artwork, often inspired by Chilean folklore and indigenous symbols. The label designs add a touch of artistry to the overall Montes experience, reflecting the brand’s creative spirit.
Global Recognition: Montes wines have received accolades and high scores from international wine critics, cementing their position as some of the finest examples of Chilean winemaking. The global recognition attests to Montes’ success in bringing Chilean wines to the forefront of the international wine stage.
