Origins
In 2004, Julio Donoso returned to his native Casablanca
after 20 years. During that time, he had studied
Economics in Paris and built a successful photographic
career in Europe and the USA. While in France, he met
Andre Ostertag, a talented winemaker from Alsace, and
they made the decision to establish Montsecano on the
slopes of the Chilean coast, specifically in the dry lands of
Casablanca. This region was deemed perfect for growing
pinot noir.
Ostertag brought his expertise in winemaking and his
extensive experience in Biodynamics, having been one of
the pioneers of the movement in France along with
Nicolas July, Dominique Laffont, and other talented
winemakers. The granite soils, characterized by their
stones, quartz, and red clay profiles, captivated André. He
envisioned Montsecano as a natural wine, one that
respects the identity of each individual parcel and
showcases the unique terroir of Las Dichas.
The inaugural vintage of Montsecano dates back to 2008,
and since then, the winery has become a significant player
in Chilean wine production. It has received outstanding
recognition over the years and has successfully exported
its wines to the USA, Europe, and Asia.