Montes Taita

The Montes Taita is the flagship of the house — a Cabernet Sauvignon from the Marchigüe vineyard that shows what Chile's Colchagua Valley can achieve at a world-class level.

Montes is among the pioneers of the Chilean quality wine movement. Since the early 1990s, the winery has focused on extreme yield reduction and precise hand-harvesting. In the Marchigüe vineyard, a maximum of 3 tons per hectare is permitted—roughly half the normal yield. A dry winter with barely 200 mm of rainfall and a cool, cloudy March extended the ripening period by about 20 days, resulting in exceptionally concentrated grapes.

In the cellar: spontaneous fermentation with natural yeasts after cold maceration, 10–12 days of skin contact. Then 24 months of aging in barriques, 70% of which are new—a classic Bordeaux protocol. The nose offers dark blackberry, cassis, cedar, and a hint of graphite. On the palate, dense, velvety tannins are supported by a fresh acidity. A long finish with notes of tobacco and dark chocolate.

Drinking window: 2026–2035. Serving temperature 17–18 °C. Pairs well with braised beef shoulder, leg of lamb with herb crust, or aged Manchego cheese.