Montes Merlot

Montes Merlot is a Chilean Merlot from Vina Montes, one of the pioneers of premium wine in Chile, in a 750ml bottle. Grown in the Colchagua Valley, it offers ripe plum and black cherry fruit, soft tannins and a touch of oak in the approachable, polished style that made Montes a household name.

Quick Facts: Origin: Colchagua Valley, Chile | Varietal: Merlot | Style: Dry Red Wine | Producer: Vina Montes

Production & Heritage

Vina Montes was founded in 1988 by Aurelio Montes, Douglas Murray, Alfredo Vidaurre and Pedro Grand, four partners who set out to prove that Chile could make world-class wine rather than just inexpensive bulk reds. Their flagship Montes Alpha Cabernet became Chile's first internationally celebrated premium wine, and the winery's angel logo is now one of the most recognized in South America. Montes Merlot comes from the Colchagua Valley, about two hours south of Santiago, where warm, dry summers and cool nights from the Pacific and the Andes ripen Merlot fully while preserving freshness. The grapes are hand harvested, fermented in stainless steel and aged partly in oak barrels to add roundness and spice. Aurelio Montes and his son, also a winemaker, emphasize sustainable farming, including dry farming trials and a famous practice of playing Gregorian chant in the barrel cellar at the Apalta winery.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Ripe plum, black cherry and blackberry, with cocoa, sweet tobacco, a hint of mint and vanilla from the oak.

Taste: Medium to full-bodied and smooth, with juicy dark fruit, soft rounded tannins and notes of mocha and baking spice. The acidity is moderate and the texture is plush.

Finish: Medium length, warm and fruit-driven, with lingering plum, chocolate and a touch of toasty oak.

How to Drink Montes Merlot

Serve Montes Merlot at around 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit in a medium red wine glass; it needs little decanting and is ready to drink on release. Its soft, fruity profile makes it an easy pairing for roast chicken or turkey, pork tenderloin with a fruit glaze, burgers and meatloaf, and pasta with mushroom cream sauce. It is also a good choice for guests who find Cabernet too tannic.

Best For

• Weeknight dinners and casual entertaining
• Merlot drinkers looking for a reliable, well-priced South American option
• Thanksgiving and holiday tables with poultry and pork
• Introducing a newcomer to Chilean wine from a benchmark producer

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Montes Merlot taste like? It tastes of ripe plum, black cherry and blackberry with cocoa, sweet tobacco and vanilla, in a smooth, medium to full-bodied style with soft tannins and a warm, fruity finish.

How does Montes Merlot compare to Montes Alpha Merlot? Montes Alpha Merlot comes from select Apalta vineyards and spends longer in French oak, giving it more concentration, structure and aging potential. The classic Montes Merlot is lighter, fruitier and made for earlier drinking at a lower price.

Is Montes Merlot good for cooking? Yes. Its ripe fruit and soft tannins make it well suited to red wine reductions, braises and sauces, and it is affordable enough to pour a cup into the pot.

Where is Montes Merlot made? It is produced by Vina Montes from grapes grown in the Colchagua Valley of central Chile, with winemaking at the Montes winery in Apalta.

What foods pair well with Montes Merlot? Roast chicken, turkey, pork tenderloin, burgers, meatloaf, mushroom pasta, mild cheeses and pizza all pair comfortably with its soft fruit and gentle tannins.

What sizes does Montes Merlot come in? This listing is the standard 750ml bottle.

Is Montes Merlot worth the price? Montes has built its reputation on over-delivering at every price tier, and the Merlot is a dependable, polished red that costs less than comparable bottles from California or Washington.

Why Montes Merlot?

Montes Merlot comes from the winery that put Chilean premium wine on the map, and it carries that pedigree into an everyday bottle. The Colchagua Valley gives it ripe, generous fruit, careful winemaking keeps it smooth and balanced, and the price keeps it on the table rather than in the cellar. It flatters roast poultry, pork and pasta, it pleases guests who want a soft red, and it introduces the Montes angel to anyone who has not yet met it. For a reliable, well-made Merlot, it is one of the easiest choices on the shelf.