MontesCentral Valley, Chile

Few names are as closely associated with the transformation of Chilean wine as Montes. Founded in 1987 by Aurelio Montes, Douglas Murray, Alfredo Vidaurre, and Pedro Grand, Montes has become synonymous with Chile’s rise to global recognition as a producer of premium and ultra-premium wines. At a time when Chile was better known for bulk production, Montes set out with a radical vision: to craft wines of a quality and finesse never before seen in the country.

At the heart of this mission was Aurelio Montes, a winemaker and visionary who identified the potential of sites and grapes long overlooked. His leadership has helped redefine Chile’s image, championing its terroir and demonstrating that Chile could compete on the world stage with the finest from Bordeaux or Napa.

Apalta: The Heart of Montes’ Terroir

Central to Montes’ success is its commitment to exceptional vineyard sites, most notably in Apalta, within the Colchagua Valley. When Aurelio Montes first identified this region’s poor, rocky, steep soils as ideal for low-yield, high-quality viticulture, it was a bold move against conventional wisdom. These soils — a mix of alluvial, sandy loam, clay, and granite — force the vines to struggle, yielding fruit of remarkable concentration and complexity.

Apalta’s potential was further recognised when, thanks in part to Aurelio’s advocacy, it was awarded DO (Denomination of Origin) status in 2018. Today, Apalta is celebrated as one of Chile’s most prestigious winegrowing regions, with Montes at its heart. Beyond Apalta, Montes also works with outstanding vineyards in Marchigüe, extending its reach across some of Chile’s most exciting terroirs.

In 2024, Montes became B-Corp certified, a reflection of its dedication not only to quality but also to sustainability, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility — a natural extension of its philosophy that great wine begins with respect for nature.

The Flagship Wines of Montes: Icons of Chilean Wine

Montes Muse Cabernet Sauvignon Maipo Valley 2020

A landmark wine for Montes, Montes Muse Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 is sourced from select high-altitude vineyards in the Maipo Valley, renowned for its Cabernet excellence. It embodies classic structure with fine tannins, cassis, graphite, and cedar, placing it among Chile’s most refined expressions of the grape.

Folly Syrah

A single-parcel wine from Apalta’s steepest, most demanding slopes, Folly showcases the heights Syrah can reach in Chile. Dense, powerful, and elegant, it expresses black fruit, spice, and mineral tension, consistently earning critical acclaim.

Alpha M

Montes’ answer to the world’s finest Bordeaux blends, Alpha M is dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon with supporting varieties. Structured, complex, and age-worthy, it captures the depth and sophistication possible from Apalta’s terroir.

Purple Angel

Often cited as one of Chile’s greatest wines, Purple Angel is a celebration of Carmenère, blended with a touch of Petit Verdot. Sourced from Apalta and Marchigüe, it combines richness, intensity, and polish, with numerous high scores from the wine critics.

Taita

Crafted from Cabernet Sauvignon grown in coastal Marchigüe, Taita represents a culmination of Montes’ knowledge and passion. This bold, structured wine is a tribute to the potential of Chile’s less-explored coastal terroirs, offering depth and longevity.