Deep ruby color; cherry, cassis, blueberry, blackcurrant, chocolate, licorice, oak, spice on the nose and palate.
Dry; significant tannins buffered by velvety mouthfeel and exposure to air. Decanting recommended. Medium-plus body with red wine intensity. Balancing acidity. This clearly is an assertive cab, but it also has some restraint. It is not a simple easy drinker, but it also is not a mauling cab best suited for massive steak efforts. 14.5% ABV
Marcelo Papa is the winemaker. He took charge of Casillero del Diablo in 1998 and the next year added Marques de Casa Concha, one of the best known and traditional brands of Chile. Concho y Toro lists this in their “Super Brands Portfolio.” Marques de Casa Concha is Concha y Toro’s flagship brand.
Concha y Toro, BTW, is Spanish for “shell and bull.” Their wines consistently are very drinkable values, and Chile—and Argentina on the other side of the Andes—are major contributors to the exquisite abundance of quality wines in the world today.
Concha y Toro headquarters in Santiago, Chile, and is one of the global leaders in wine. The original vineyard was founded by Don Melchor de Santiago Concha y Toro and his wife, Emiliana Subercaseux in 1883. The original grapes came from Bordeuax. The vineyard was incorporated as a stock company in 1923, with shares sold on the Santiago stock market.
In 1933, Concha y Toro began exporting wine through the port of Rotterdam, the Netherlands. In 1987, it partnered with U.S. importer Banfi Vintners, upgraded technology, and began its rise to a significant player on the world wine stage. In 1994, shares of Viña Concha began trading on the New York Stock Exchange.
Concha y Toro Marques de Casa Cabernet Sauvignon, DO Valley del Maipo, Chile 2018 is a significant cab from major Chilean producer. It will be too bold red assertive for some palates, while others will celebrate its association with bold red meat dishes and with palates that enjoy rich, boisterous red wines. Pair with grilled, roasted, or stewed red meats; pasta dishes with red meat and tomato sauces; burgers, especially gourmet burgers with exotic cheeses; wild game—venison, wild boar, rabbit. Cheese—manchego, cheddar, aged gouda, gorganzola. $21
