Adding the Montes wines to our portfolio in 2014 was the realisation of a long-held ambition following many years admiring what Aurelio Montes was achieving in Chile. The winery was founded in 1987 by the visionary quartet Aurelio, Douglas Murray, Alfredo Vidaurre and Pedro Grand. Aurelio explains, “Our philosophy was simple - to produce excellent quality wines at a level which didn’t exist in Chile at the time.”
Aurelio Montes is widely credited with pioneering Chile’s quality revolution. His ability to identify potential in previously unknown sites, has led to the creation of appellations which now produce some of Chile’s finest wines. The Colchagua Valley is a perfect example of this. Aurelio first came to the area in his 20s and became fascinated by the then-barren landscape of Apalta, where Montes are based today. Apalta translates to ‘poor soils’, referencing the area's alluvial soils comprised predominantly of sandy loam and clay, as well as granite on the steep hillsides. Though a difficult environment for traditional agriculture, Aurelio sensed its potential for high-quality grape growing. Starting in these vineyards, he applied a rigorous, quality-focused approach to farming, resulting in low yields and perfectly ripe fruit.
Since the 1990s, Montes have made some of their finest red blends in Apalta, including ‘Folly’ and ‘Alpha M’. The ‘Folly’ Syrah is sourced from a single parcel known as ‘Finca Apalta’ on Apalta’s highest, steepest slopes. ‘Alpha M’, which hails from the same site, is a classic Bordeaux blend of predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon with a touch of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Both wines offer different but equally complex interpretations of Apalta. Since the 90s, the estate has campaigned extensively for the area to receive DO status, which was finally achieved in 2018.
Aurelio also blends Apalta fruit with sites in the greater Colchagua Valley. The ‘Purple Angel’ blends Carménère with a little Petit Verdot from exceptional sites in Apalta and Marchigüe. The resulting deeply flavoured, structured red has received 98+ points from James Suckling in its last three vintages. Just 25 kilometres from the Pacific Ocean, the landscape of Marchigüe is much flatter than in Apalta, with vineyards planted on clay soils with excellent water retention. Montes also produce the ‘Taita’ Cabernet Sauvignon from vines in this coastal area.
Montes Limited Selection
These wines match their variety, or blend, to the area best suited to their expression. The grape growers and winemakers are given ‘carte blanche’ to take outstanding fruit and develop wholly individual wines that perfectly express their site. The Sauvignon Blanc, unoaked and aromatic yet mineral, is from the Leyda Valley, a fantastic region for this variety owing to its proximity to the sea which moderates the climate. The Pinot Noir, scented and delicate, is from the Casablanca Valley, which is similarly cool with a long growing season that gives excellent tannins and an alluring perfume.
