Montes’ Cabernet Sauvignon is Chile’s most recognizable red wine produced by the celebrated Viña Montes’ estate in the Colchagua Valley. This winery is credited with bringing premium Chilean winemaking to wine lovers globally. Their Cabernet Sauvignon is offered in two tiers: the approachable “Classic” series and the more robust premium “Alpha” series. 

Montes’ Classic Cabernet Sauvignon features aromas of ripe red and black fruit- think strawberry, plum, and fig carried on a medium body with flavors of red fruit and dark chocolate. Balanced acidity, silky tannins, and a touch of French oak support its easy-drinking profile. It’s a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Merlot with a 14% ABV, making it a natural fit for grilled steak, as well as beef short ribs, lamb chops, and, surprisingly, those gourmet burgers that you see on just about every menu lately. 

If you are looking to add an affordable weeknight Cab to your wine rack that delivers dependable quality without the intense concentration and complexity of much higher-priced Cabs, then you should take a closer look at Montes’ Classic Cabernet Sauvignon. It is easy to find, and at around $10- $15 a bottle, it is a good value for a Cabernet Sauvignon rated 90 pts by James Suckling. 

Photo Credit: Viña Monte’s’