Uncorked: Aurelio Montes Jr.

Chilean winemaker Aurelio Montes Jr. hopped over the Andes in 2001 to establish Kaiken in Mendoza. His greatest vices are skydiving and drinking wine – whether at the same time is unclear.

What Vintage are you? 

1974

What bottle sparked your love of wine?

When I was at university I tried my first ever bottle of red Burgundy, and fell completely in love.

Ambition or talent – what matters more?

In my opinion has to be a bit of both, although talent is more important, talent without ambition never works!

What would you be as a wine?

Definitely a blend, 40 % of tradition (Cabernet Sauvignon), 40% of intensity (Malbec), 20% of craziness (Mourvèdre)

Where are you happiest?

Travelling around the world with my family, and of course when I open a beautiful bottle of my wine.

What’s your greatest vice?

Drinking wine and skydiving!

Best advice you ever got?

Not because you run faster are going to get there faster or first”

Your cellar’s underwater, which bottle would you dive in and save?

My new Cabernet Franc, I only produce 500 cases, and is a very unique wine.

What’s the best & worst thing about the wine business?

By far, the best thing is the opportunity to travel and meet so many people from so many different cultures. The worst thing it that wine doesn’t respect your time or family, I have to be 100% for the wine

Desert island vine?

It depends on the terroir. If it’s a tropical island I would produce RUM and not wine.

Which wine would you like served at your funeral?

I don’t care which wine they want to drink in my funeral, but has to be a big amount!!!!