Montes is a large wine producer in Chile, exporting wines to more than 100 countries around the world. The company produces a wide range of wines from classic Chilean grape varieties including Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenere, Merlot, Syrah and Chardonnay. Purple Angel, a Carmenère-predominant wine from the Colchagua Valley, is Montes’ flagship and one of Chile’s most famous wines.
Montes was founded in 1987 by winemaker Aurelio Montes and wine trade stalwart Douglas Murray, with the aim of producing high-quality Chilean wine. Today, the company’s vineyards span the length of the country, from Aconcagua and Casablanca Valley in the north to Apalta in the south.
These are managed with as little irrigation as possible, to strengthen the vines, and green harvesting helps with berry concentration. Vineyards are harvested either late at night or early in the morning to help maintain the freshness of the grapes.
The Alpha M Bordeaux blend is also made here, from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Taita is the newest addition to Montes’ icon wines, and focuses on Cabernet Sauvignon from the estate in Marchigüe.
Montes also offer a range of everyday drinking wines. The Alpha and Classic series focus on varietal wines from Chile’s most famous grape varieties, while the Outer Limits range focuses on wines from more extreme regions.
Tasting notes:
The Montes Classic Chardonnay hails from some of the finest Chardonnay-growing sites in Chile’s Casablanca and Curico Valleys. The Casablanca Valley contributes a cool climate expression of Chardonnay with fresh citrus and floral notes, while the warmer Curico Valley adds tropical components to the blend including pineapple, peaches and apricots.
