Is this one of the best wines from Mexico’s most hyped winery?

Monte Xanic is arguably the most recognizable premium winery in Mexico. If you’ve ever browsed the shelves of a decent wine shop in the country—or even a well-stocked supermarket—you’ve probably come across their minimalist label and clean branding. Their bottles tend to promise quality and sophistication, often at a price that suggests you’re buying into more than just wine. 

But that’s precisely what makes Monte Xanic a little divisive. Some wine lovers argue that their branding outpaces their quality, and that many smaller Baja wineries offer more bang for your buck these days. Still, they’ve earned their spot in the Mexican wine conversation through years of hard work. They have been crucial in the establishment of the Mexican wine industry. For years, they were considered something of a cult product, that you could only buy direct from the source and which grew in popularity mainly through word of mouth. Any enjoyer of Mexican, and I’d even say wine from America (as in, America, the continent), should hold them in high regard, and it’s only fair to approach each bottle with an open mind.

Which brings us to this one: the Monte Xanic Cabernet Sauvignon–Merlot 2022. I opened it during the Guadalupe-Reyes season with my family, a quintessential special occasion, surrounded by Christmas dishes and the kind of jollyness you only get at the end of the year, in the midst of a cold, dark winter. Aside from some understandable family reunion-induced stress, it was a festive setting, and thankfully, the wine rose to the occasion.

Making

Though wine grapes have been cultivated in Mexico since the 1500s (thanks to the Spanish colonizers’ thirst and the Catholic Church’s need for communion wine), modern Mexican winemaking only really found its footing in the late 20th century. One of the foundational names in that story is Dr. Hans Backhoff, a biochemist from Ensenada with a German father, a Mexican mother, and an obsession with wine. In 1987, he and four friends founded Monte Xanic with the idea of making wine that could stand toe-to-toe with the world’s best, without copying anyone, and giving the whole endeavour a distinctly local twist. 

The name Monte Xanic comes from the indigenous Cora language, meaning “the first flower to bloom on the mountain after the rain.” It’s a poetic reference to what happens in the hills around Valle de Guadalupe after a downpour—and maybe a quiet metaphor for how they saw Mexican wine at the time: blooming from soil that was dry for a long time, against the odds.

This 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon–Merlot blend draws from vineyards in the Valle de Guadalupe and Valle de Ojos Negros, both regions marked by their higher elevation and cooling coastal influences. These conditions help preserve acidity and structure in the grapes, which is especially important for a blend like this one.

Why this combo? Well, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot is arguably the world’s most iconic red blend, thanks largely to their long-standing marriage in Bordeaux. Cabernet brings bold tannins, backbone, and longevity, while Merlot adds softness, roundness, and early approachability. It’s a classic yin-yang pairing that’s stood the test of time, and producers around the world—from Napa to Mendoza to Baja—use it to great effect.

Monte Xanic ages this wine for 12 months in French oak barrels, with about 50% being new. The oak treatment is present but restrained—you notice it more in the wine’s texture and polish than in flashy vanilla notes. It’s integrated. Intentional. The result is a wine that feels balanced: structured but smooth, and polished without losing a particular sense of place. While it may draw some inspiration from Bordeaux wines, upon tasting, you’ll see that it’s very much its own thing: 

Tasting

This was a wine that got better with time in the glass, and honestly, it surprised me with its texture more than anything. 

Eye:
Rich, opaque ruby with hints of violet at the rim. Good legs that cling to the glass, signaling its moderate alcohol and body.

Nose:
Right off the bat: ripe black cherry and stewed plums. With a bit of air, vanilla, cocoa powder, and a hint of herbal spice started to emerge—more elegant than explosive, but well integrated.

Mouth:
Thick, even luxurious on the palate—like liquid velvet. The tannins are mellow but present, giving it enough structure to handle rich food without drying you out. The black fruit from the nose carries through, supported by subtle oak, and finishes with a whisper of dried herbs and smoke. This isn’t a flashy or overly bold wine, but it’s incredibly well-rounded.

Pairing

It worked perfectly with holiday fare: roasted pork leg with brandy gravy, Pâté En Croûte, and even bacalao. The balance between softness and structure made it adaptable— enough acidity for tomato-based dishes, enough body for meats, and smooth enough tannins for casual sipping.

Outside the holiday context, I imagine this would also shine with grilled meats, burgers, or even a cheesy lasagna. It’s a versatile bottle, at least for me. 

Final Thoughts

So… is Monte Xanic worth the hype?

In general, I’d still say some of their bottles are overpriced compared to lesser-known producers doing bold and expressive work in the region. But this 2022 Cabernet–Merlot? It was a solid reminder that Monte Xanic knows how to craft a balanced, satisfying wine. They might choose to position themselves on the premium side of the spectrum, but their wine, in my experience, always backs those pretty labels and bottles. 

It might not be revolutionary, but it’s polished, consistent, and genuinely enjoyable. And when the bottle complements the moment, that’s all you really need.

Here’s a detail sheet:

Producer: Monte Xanic
Region: Valle de Guadalupe & Valle de Ojos Negros, Baja California, Mexico
Grape Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot
Alcohol Content: 13.5%
Aging: French oak barrels (approx. 6–8 months, per typical practices)
Serving Temperature: 16–18°C (60–64°F)
Average Price: $18–24 USD
Positioning: Mid-to-premium level in Monte Xanic’s range
Availability: Widely available in Mexico; select international markets (especially US)

---

Where to Buy

In Mexico, Monte Xanic wines are available at La Europea, Vinoteca, Walmart, and most wine retailers.

In the US, you’ll find them through online retailers like Old Town Tequila, and Shop Wine Direct. 

In Europe, distribution is limited but growing; online shops like Private Celler and Bodeboca do carry them most of the year.