From: Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California, Mexico
Varietal: Chenin Blanc
Taste: This bright, aromatic Chenin Blanc from Monte Xanic is a beautifully bouncy, youthful Chenin. An attractive medley of apple, quince, orange blossom, white peach, a hint of bee pollen, and lemon zest meets a racy, refreshing core that leads to a tingly, mouth-watering finish. Delicious!
Pairing: This gorgeous white wine will grace your table with energy and pizazz. Pair it with roasted poultry or creamy chicken or pork dish, baked/breaded/fried/grilled/ poached flaky white fish (check out the recipe below!), and other seafood mains that center around shrimp, prawns, scallops, or crab. Pastas with a citrus or cream sauce will work beautifully, too, along with risotto, soft cheeses, and roasted winter vegetables served by themselves or even as a gratin.
Pan-Roasted Fish Fillets With Herb Butter
Recipe from Mark Usewicz, adapted by Julia Moskin
About. Bodega Vinícola Monte Xanic is one of the pioneering wineries in Mexico's Valle de Guadalupe wine region in Baja California. Established in 1987, the winery has played a vital role in shaping the modern wine industry in Mexico and elevating the country's reputation on the international wine stage.
Five friends and wine enthusiasts founded Monte Xanic: Hans Backhoff Escudero, Ricardo Hojel, Manuel Castro Limón, Tomás Fernández, and Eric Hagsater. Among them, Hans Backhoff Escudero became the most prominent figure, leading the winemaking efforts and guiding the winery's evolution. The group's shared vision was to create premium Mexican wines that could compete globally, focusing on quality and innovation.
Monte Xanic was founded in 1987, beginning its journey to produce high-quality wines in the Valle de Guadalupe. The winery quickly gained international recognition, with its first significant accolade arriving in 1994, which helped establish Monte Xanic as one of Mexico's premier wine producers. In 2006, the second generation of the Backhoff family, led by Hans Backhoff Jr., took over the management and winemaking responsibilities.
Oscar Gaona, the current oenologist, joined Monte Xanic in 2018 and brings a wealth of expertise and a passion for innovation to the winery's winemaking process. With a deep understanding of the Valle de Guadalupe's unique terroir, he has played a pivotal role in refining Monte Xanic's approach to crafting wines that embody the region's essence.
Gaona emphasizes a balance between tradition and modernity, integrating advanced techniques with respect for the vineyard's natural characteristics. His dedication to sustainability and precision in winemaking has helped elevate Monte Xanic's wines,
earning them recognition both locally and internationally as benchmark expressions of Mexican viticulture.
In 2013, Monte Xanic expanded its facilities, adding a state-of-the-art production area and new tasting rooms, enhancing its production capabilities and the visitor experience. Today, Monte Xanic remains a leader in Mexican winemaking, with a diverse portfolio of wines that receive consistent praise from critics and wine lovers worldwide.
Monte Xanic's philosophy is centered around innovation, sustainability, and a dedication to expressing the unique character of the Valle de Guadalupe terroir. They emphasize a meticulous approach to viticulture and winemaking, blending traditional techniques with modern technology to produce wines that reflect the region's diverse microclimates and rich biodiversity. The winery is committed to environmental stewardship, utilizing water conservation practices and reducing its carbon footprint wherever possible.
“Our love for the outstanding has led us to honor this land, making wines that all Mexicans can be proud of. At Monte Xanic we put our faith in our land by giving recognition to the Valle de Guadalupe region in Baja California with our first premium wine, changing the history of Mexican wine.”
Monte Xanic's winemaking approach is highly focused on quality over quantity. They aim to craft wines that offer balance and elegance. They strive to create distinctly Mexican expressions, highlighting the characteristics of the grape varieties best suited to the region's conditions.
Monte Xanic is in the Valle de Guadalupe, one of Mexico's most renowned wine regions. The region benefits from a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters, which are ideal for growing grape varieties. The Pacific Ocean's cooling influence helps moderate temperatures, allowing for a longer growing season and the development of complex flavors in the grapes.
The soils in Valle de Guadalupe are primarily composed of granite and clay, with well- draining properties that encourage deep root systems, enabling vines to access vital nutrients and water. This diversity in soil types across their vineyards allows Monte Xanic to cultivate a range of grape varieties, including Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah, each benefiting from the unique terroir of the region.
Monte Xanic's focus on terroir-driven wines is evident in its commitment to expressing the essence of Baja California through every bottle, emphasizing the regional characteristics and individuality of each grape variety it grows.
Wine Notes. The wine is made from Chenin Blanc, with grapes grown in soils that blend granite and clay, contributing to the wine’s distinct mineral character. The winemaking, led by Mexican winemaker Oscar Gaona, involves both fermentation and aging in stainless steel tanks to preserve the freshness and vibrant aromatics of the Chenin Blanc. Monte Xanic emphasizes sustainable farming practices throughout the process, maintaining a commitment to environmental stewardship. The final wine showcases an alcohol level of 12.8%, offering a balanced and elegant expression of this classic variety.
