Deep ruby color; raspberry, bell pepper, plum, blackberry peppercorn, oak, herbs on the nose and palate.
Dry; polished, amenable tannins with moderate, balancing acidity. Medium-plus body. Blend of 90% carménère, 7% cabernet sauvignon, 3% merlot. Aged 12 months in oak, 27% new. 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 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, 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 Marques de Casa Concho Carménère 2020 is classic carménère. Herbaceous notes, raspberry, plum, florid fruits. Smooth, easy drinker. The fruits flaunt themselves while the tannins, acidity, and oak are in the crowd scene in the background. Pair with lamb—classic; beef, slow-cooked beef stew would be especially nice; dishes that include bacon; barbecue dishes; seared seafood—tuna; empanadas with green olives; tomato-based dishes; spicy dishes; pork ribs. Cheese—pepper jack, cheddar, pecorino, manchego, parmigiano-reggiano, grana padano; carménère is a very cheese-friendly wine. $18-24
