Concha y Toro is one of Chile’s leading producers and they make a range of wines at a variety of price levels. The Marqués de Casa Concha name reflects the title of nobility bestowed in 1718 by King Felipe V of Spain on the Concha y Toro family, which later moved to Chile and under Don Melchor Concha y Toro went on to found the Concha y Toro winery in 1883. So it’s fair to say this winery has a fair bit of history to it.

While Argentina has been somewhat pigeonholed with Malbec, Chile offers a more dynamic climate and topography and as a result, a great range of options. From the crisp white wines of the  Bío-Bío Valley to Cabernet, to Pinot Noir; Chile can seemingly do it all. They have also done all of this while offering wines of great value, and these bottlings from Marqués de Casa Concha.

2015, Chardonnay, Marqués de Casa Concha, Chile  $17 

This is a sterling example of what Chardonnay can be, rich and lush but backed with a mineral backbone and loads of fresh acid. At an under $20 price point this is a wine with tons of class. French oak barrels and the perfectly balanced acidity make for a new world Chardonnay that is loaded with old world promise. This wine is down right Burgundian, and at an incredible price point it should be on your list. A single vineyard offering from the Quebrada Seca vineyard in Northern Chile’s Limarí region and benefits from Limarí’s exceptionally long growing season. Aromatics are savory herb, ripe stone fruit and hazelnut. The palate is rich, but poised. Lemon creme, poached pear and bright balanced minerality.

2015 Cabernet Sauvignon, Marqués de Casa Concha, Chile $17

In spite of it’s great range, Chile has quickly become known for its Cabernet. Two examples, also produced by the Concha y Toro label;  Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon, Chile’s first ultra-premium red, as well as Almaviva, an internationally fȇted Bordeaux-style blend resulting from Concha y Toro’s partnership with Baron Philippe de Rothschild have earned the winery, and the region great renown. This bottling is sourced from two historic vineyards: Puente Alto and Pirque, both located in the Maipo region, Chile’s Cabernet hotbed. This Cabernet offers notes of savory fresh herbs, as well as fresh berry. The palate is fine, rich yet distinguished. The oak accents the wine but lets the variety show through, with herbal, cherry and tobacco flavors, and light hints of mocha.