Leading Chilean producer Montes is set to produce wines in the Douro.
Chairman and winemaker Aurelio Montes revealed he has been visiting the region looking for investment opportunities.
‘I’ve been sniffing around the region for the past two years and sent my winemakers to Churchill’s to do vintages to dip a toe in the water,’ he told decanter.com.
The move could be imminent. ‘If we really go for it I would do it this year,’ he said.
The intention is to produce still red wines, and Montes plans to source grapes and lease wineries initially, rather than plant vineyards and build a winery.
He is also considering working in collaboration with a well-known winery in the region.
The producer is interested in both the traditional Port-making Upper Douro area and the Douro Superior, close to the Spanish border.
‘What is so appealing about the area is its unique varieties. The world is looking for something beyond Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Pinot Noir.’
Written by Rebecca Gibb
