MontGras

Owners: Familia Gras
Chief Winemaker:: Cristián Correa
Website: montgras.cl
Commercial Contact: carlospinto@montgras.cl | efarfang@montgras.cl



History
MontGras Winery defines itself as a meeting point between innovation and tradition, where sustainability intertwines with a passion for winemaking. This family-owned winery, with a rich heritage spanning four generations, has positioned itself among Chile is top 12 wine exporters, distributing its wines to over 35 countries.

MontGras commitment to a greener future and sustainable production is reflected in its agricultural practices. In their vineyards on Ninquén Hill and Amaral, they cultivate organic grapes with a deep respect for the environment. The winery is already certified vegan and is on track to achieve B Corp certification by the end of 2024.

Under the leadership of renowned winemaker and CEO Adolfo Hurtado, and with the guidance of distinguished consultants such as Alberto Antonini (Italy) and Nick Goldschmidt (USA), along with a team of four specialised winemakers, MontGras produces wines that push the boundaries of flavour and delight the senses. From Albariño to Zinfandel, their portfolio reflects the diversity of Chile is terroirs.

Vineyards
With over 600 hectares planted in Chile's most esteemed valleys—Colchagua, Leyda, and Alto Maipo—MontGras operates five vineyards, each with its unique character shaped by diverse climates and terroirs.

Amaral:
Located in the cool Leyda Valley, just 12 km from the Pacific Ocean and adjacent to the Maipo River, the vineyard benefits from a coastal climate ideal for premium cool-climate varieties. Amaral's soil is exceptional, featuring a base of intrusive granitic rocks overlain by clastic sedimentary rocks associated with marine depositional environments with alluvial accumulation, creating an interesting and complex geological setting. This soil consists of three distinct units: the granitic base, the marine sediment layer, and the gravel layer. Varieties: Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Syrah, and others such as Albariño, Pinot Gris, and Gewürztraminer.

San José:
Established in 1993, MontGras in the San José Vineyard is located in the Palmilla commune of the Colchagua Valley. San José represents the heart of MontGras. San José has a Mediterranean climate, and Ninquén Hill provides shade in the afternoon, making it cooler than the rest of the area. The soil is a mix of deposits of different origins, from estuaries and the hills surrounding the area. In the flat area, there is a combination of deep clay soils and well-drained soils, mixed with sandy soils and some gravel. This mix of soils provides complexity and allows the cultivation of different varieties, mainly Carménère and Merlot.

Pumanque:
This vineyard is located 26 km from the Pacific Ocean and is characterised by soils composed of very old rocks, mainly granites and granodiorites. The planted area is geologically complex, with a volcanic-alluvial-granitic transition that mixes different types of rocks and ages. The temperate climate, influenced by the coast, allows for a long and slow ripening of the grapes. This vineyard primarily has innovative varieties, such as Cabernet Franc, Garnacha, Verdejo, Vermentino, and Tempranillo.

Ninquén:
The Ninquén Hill is a remnant island hill of the Coastal Range, located 7 km NW of Santa Cruz in the Colchagua Valley at 300 m.a.s.l. It benefits from a Mediterranean climate with a large diurnal temperature range, and rainy winters. The altitude and predominant eastward exposure create a cooler environment compared to the surrounding areas, reducing the impact of the afternoon sun on the vines. The soils are of volcanic origin, formed by breccia-type deposits, tuffs, and volcanic lavas, with high Fe and Mg content, of loamy sand clay texture with silt content. Altered rock, sometimes called alterite, fragments and allows root penetration. Varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon and Mediterranean varieties, such as Syrah, Garnacha, and Carignan.

Intriga:
This vineyard, formerly known as Viña Linderos (1865), is located in Linderos, in the Metropolitan Region, 35 km south of Santiago, in Alto Maipo. It is situated on the second alluvial terrace of the valley, bordering the third, and is influenced by the Maipo River and the Andes Mountains. The cool mountain breezes chill the nights, creating large diurnal temperature variations. These conditions favour the regulation of vine growth and the development of phenolic compounds in the grapes. The soil, of alluvial origin, has a clay loam top horizon that increases in sand and stone content at depth, allowing moisture retention and creating an ideal microclimate for the roots. The soil's permeability and low nutrient content help restrict plant vigour, increasing the concentration of phenolic compounds. The vineyard mainly cultivates traditional Bordeaux varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot.

Wines from MontGras