Our History
The story of Montes seems like a dream and, truthfully, that's how it began, becoming progressively reality.
It was in 1987 when our two visionaries partners, Aurelio Montes and Douglas Murray, with extensive experience in the world of wine, wanted to realize their dreams of producing wines of a quality far superior to the one that was being produced in Chile at that time. They added in 1988 the other two original partners, Alfredo Vidaurre and Pedro Grand, each making their special and complementary contribution, thus giving birth to Viña Montes, called in the beginning DiscoverWine Ltda. A dream come true, of four great visionaries, who have achieved over time, Montes and Montes Alpha wines will reach more than a hundred countries, be recognized for their extraordinary and permanent quality and, at the same time, attract the attention of the entire world about the wines that Chile can produce.
Information
Vintage
The story of Montes seems like a dream and, truthfully, that 's how he began, becoming progressively reality. It was in 1987 when our two deluded partners, Aurelio Montes and Douglas Murray, with extensive experience in the world of wine, wanted to realize their dreams of producing wines of a quality far superior to the one that was being produced in Chile.
THIRD SEASONAL REPORT FOR 2014
White Grape Harvest
The season began with concern about the effects of the frosts that affected Chile in September. However, budbreak, flowering, and veraison occurred in accordance with historic dates, which allowed us our first sigh of relief. A dry summer obligated us to pay close attention to the precise timing for the harvest, which took place two weeks earlier than usual this year.
In the early months of 2014, the maximum temperatures in the Colchagua, Casablanca, and Leyda Valleys were higher than normal, while the minimum temperatures were lower than usual. The highest temperatures observed influenced the maturation of the grapes, causing them to ripen more quickly than usual.
The first rain fell in the Colchagua Valley in March, although it was of low intensity, just 6-7 mm in the interior of the valley and 16.3 mm at the coast. There was no precipitation in the Leyda and Casablanca Valleys, and the groundwater and river levels remained lower than normal and close to their historic lows.
The white grape harvest began quite early with our Sauvignon Blanc from Leyda (third week of February). The onset of harvest in the Casablanca Valley was normal to late, depending on the zone, which could have been a consequence of the spring frosts.
This year we picked the Pinot Noir very late, not only due to the weather, but also in pursuit of a new style in aroma and body.
For the white varieties, we observed approximately 30% lower yields in Sauvignon Blanc and 50% in Chardonnay. Red yields were approximately 25% lower than in a normal year.
The 2014 vintage is showing very good quality. The aromatic intensity of the Sauvignon Blanc is unprecedented, and the
Chardonnay has wonderful concentration and an exciting blend of tropical fruit flavors.
It has been a healthy harvest with high concentration; grapes that normally weigh 1 gram have come in weighing 0.7 gr.
Because fewer grapes were produced this season, we have been able to dedicate more time to the details of good vinification.
Aurelio Montes B.
Montes S.A.
Apalta Winery
Parcela 15 - Millahue de Apalta
Santa Cruz - CHILE
Emporio del ángel
Apalta Winery
Parcela 15 - Millahue de Apalta
Santa Cruz - CHILE
Commercial Offices
Av. Del Valle N°945, Of. 2611
Ciudad Empresarial
Huechuraba - Santiago - CHILE
