Pale ruby color; strawberry, cranberry, some barnyard on the nose; raspberry, strawberry, cherry, cranberry, redcurrant, plum on the palate.
Dry; firm tannins, especially for a pinot, balanced with good acidity. This is lively, assertive style of pinot. It also mellows out with time in glass, even consider decanting. Medium body. Some oak, but clean fruit is the dominant note in this effort. A trace of minerality—the Limarí is about 13 miles from the Pacific, providing the salinity and the cool climate pinot noir enjoys. 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 Concho, one of the best known and traditional brands of Chile. Concho y Toro lists this in their “Super Brands Portfolio.”
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 Concha Pinot Noir, Limari Valley, Chile 2019 is delight, especially after some time in glass or decanting. Fruit leads the way, but oak and tannins make an appearance. Fresh, tasty, an excellent QPR. Pair with salmon and other fatty fish; seared tuna; roasted chicken; pasta dishes; stews like beef bourguignon; rack of lamb; grilled chicken and portobello mushrooms. Cheese—sheep’s milk cheeses; gruyère, comté, emmenthal, gouda, taleggio. $22-25
