Kaiken

Kaiken is an Argentine winery founded in 2002 by Chilean winemaker Aurelio Montes in Mendoza. The name refers to wild geese that migrate across the Andes—a fitting symbol for Montes' own journey from Chile to establish premium viticulture in one of South America's finest wine regions. Named New World Producer of the Year by the Sommelier Wine Awards in 2024, Kaiken has earned recognition for serious, well-crafted wines backed by B-Corp certification and a commitment to sustainable practice.

About Kaiken

Kaiken's vineyards occupy prime locations across Mendoza: estate holdings in the heart of the region and in the Uco Valley, where serious viticulturists have increasingly established operations to source high-quality fruit. The winery's primary focus is Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon—notably, Kaiken has played a central role in reviving Cabernet Sauvignon in Mendoza after years of relative neglect. Their Vistalba vineyard in Luján de Cuyo, first planted in 1910, still produces fruit from century-old vines that showcase the depth this variety can achieve in the region.

Winemaking philosophy centres on expression of terroir through careful fruit selection and considered use of oak. The Kaiken Ultra range, sourced from premium parcels, typically shows greater intensity and structure than the approachable Clásico line. Elevation and soil composition play defining roles: the Uco Valley sub-region of Gualtallary, where Kaiken sources grapes for its traditional method sparkling wine, sits at around 1,400 metres with limestone-rich soils—conditions that yield crisp Chardonnay and Pinot Noir suitable for long ageing on lees.

The Mai range represents the winery's top tier, sourced from 100-year-old Malbec vines in Vistalba. This structured, powerful wine undergoes 18 months in French oak and balances intensity with refinement, drinking well now but capable of ageing a decade or more. The Aventura series, drawn from specific vineyard blocks in Tunuyan, offers similarly bold, concentrated Malbec with robust critical recognition. Kaiken also collaborates with chef Francis Mallmann on the Disobedience blend—a Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot mix from Altamira and Vistalba, with 30% aged in first-use French oak and the remainder in used barrels, yielding a rounded, approachable wine with red fruit and sweet spice.

Food Pairing

Kaiken's Malbecs—from Clásico to Mai—suit grilled or braised beef, lamb shoulder, and game birds. The bold structure of Aventura pairs with charred steak or slow-cooked beef stew. Cabernet Sauvignon, especially the Ultra, works with herb-crusted lamb or aged hard cheeses. The Chardonnay complements roasted chicken with butter sauce or seafood risotto. Torrontés, with its floral lift, suits ceviche or spiced shellfish dishes. The Método Tradicional Brut opens aperitifs or pairs with cured ham and aged Comté.

Why did Aurelio Montes choose Mendoza to make wine?

After exploratory trips from Chile across the Andes, Montes saw enormous potential for premium viticulture in Mendoza's terroir and founded Kaiken in 2002 to realise that vision.

What makes Kaiken's Cabernet Sauvignon significant?

Kaiken revived Cabernet Sauvignon in Mendoza after it had fallen out of favour. Their Vistalba vineyard, planted in 1910, now produces excellent wine from 100-year-old vines.

Which Kaiken wine should I buy to age long-term?

The Mai Malbec (100-year-old Vistalba vines, 18 months French oak) has the intensity and structure to age a decade or more. Both 2021 and 2020 vintages score 93+ points.

Who makes Kaiken wines?

Kaiken was founded in 2002 by Chilean winemaker Aurelio Montes in Mendoza, Argentina. The winery operates estate vineyards across Mendoza and the Uco Valley, including the historic Vistalba vineyard first planted in 1910.

What style of wine does Kaiken make?

Kaiken focuses on Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon, plus Chardonnay and Torrontés. Wines range from approachable Clásico to structured Ultra and premium Mai tiers. The 2023 Chardonnay scored 92 points, showing the quality across varietals.

How much does Kaiken wine cost?

Kaiken wines range from £11.50 to £50.40. Entry-level Clásico and Terroir Series bottles start around £11.50–£12.50, while Ultra ranges from £15.95–£16.35, and the premium Mai Malbec sits between £45–£50.40.