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The Proust Q&A: Aurelio Montes
Chilean wine pioneer Aurelio Montes has been instrumental in putting quality wine from his country on the map. Setting up Montes in 1987 after stints at Undurraga and San Pedro, he has since expanded into Argentina, California and, most recently, the Douro Valley. Montes lives in Santiago with his wife. He has five grown-up children and 17 grandchildren.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
It’s more of a state of mind than an ideal situation. If my family is stable and healthy, then I’m happy. Feeling good within myself is also key – it has nothing to do with money. In fact, if anything, money gets in the way of happiness.
What is your greatest fear?
Failing in my commitments to my business and my family.
Who do you most admire?
Nelson Mandela.
What is your greatest extravagance?
I’m a bit of an adrenaline junky, so things like riding my motorbike through Santiago, flying to Peru in my Cessna, riding my horses in the countryside and sailing my boat. I’m a trained pilot and was recently recruited into the Chilean navy, which was a really proud moment for me.
What is your current state of mind?
I’m taking my foot off the pedals a bit and making sure I find the time to enjoy my achievements. I’ve worked non-stop for the past 30 years, so am enjoying taking things a little slower and indulging in my hobbies more often.
What is the quality you most like in a woman?
Beauty, a best friend and someone who shares my passions.
What or who is the greatest love of your life?
My wife, my children and grandchildren. In terms of material things, it would be a good meal with fantastic wine.
When and where were you happiest?
When I’d just been made winemaker at Undurraga, my wife and I went to live in the countryside. We had five young children and not a lot of money but it was a blissfully happy time. We muddled along and enjoyed the little things. It taught me a lot.
Which talent would you most like to have?
I’d love to be able to play the piano after a hard day at work.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I’d like to be less hard on myself and those closest to me.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Having stayed alive this long considering my dangerous hobbies! Starting Montes from scratch is also one of my proudest achievements.
Where would you most like to live?
I don’t like spending too long in the same place, so I enjoy the variety of spending half of my time in the centre of Santiago and weekends in the countryside – it’s the perfect balance; I’m very lucky to be able to live that way.
What is your most treasured possession?
My 17 grandchildren – we have a Charlie Chaplin and pizza club that I’m the president of. We get together every Sunday and it’s strictly no parents allowed.
What is your most marked characteristic?
My work ethic and determination. I don’t like to stop – I’m constantly moving forward.
Who are your favorite writers?
Ken Follett. I’m a big fan of Chilean history, it’s the reason why I joined the navy.
Who is your hero of fiction?
Churchill – he’s larger than life.
What is it that you most dislike?
Greed, arrogance and aggressiveness.
What is your greatest regret?
I don’t have any big regrets, but in another life, I would have loved to have been an actor, author or musician. It would be great to dedicate yourself to something so good for the spirit.
What is your motto?
Let’s push things forward.
Who would be your ideal dinner party guests and what wines would you serve them?
I’d invite Mozart to teach me how to play the piano, Chilean naval hero Arturo Prat to recall his nautical adventures and Julia Roberts to light up the room with her smile. In terms of wines, we’d begin with Montes Folly Syrah 2003, then would advance to Ornellaia Masseto and end on an old vintage of Pétrus.