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. Their long-standing dedication to sustainability has resulted in them becoming B-Corp certified in 2024.

The Carmenère for this wine comes from two key areas of the Colchagua Valley.  Intense aromas of plum, cherry, and cassis mixed with sweet spice and dark chocolate. On the palate, the toasted flavours from the oak are balanced and well-integrated. The vibrant fruit gives way to silky tannins and a well-structured body,