Concha y Toro Marques de Casa Concha Cabernet Sauvignon

Concha y Toro Marques de Casa Concha Cabernet Sauvignon is a premium Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon from the Maipo Valley, bottled at 14.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. The 2022 vintage earned 92 points from James Suckling, and the 2019 vintage collected 91 points from both Robert Parker and Vinous, confirming this wine's consistent critical standing among Chile's top-tier reds.

Quick Facts: ABV: 14.5%  |  Origin: Maipo Valley, Chile  |  Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon  |  Winery: Concha y Toro

Production & Heritage

Concha y Toro, founded in 1883 by Don Melchor de Concha y Toro, remains Chile's most recognized wine producer and one of South America's largest. The Marques de Casa Concha line sits at the premium tier of the estate's portfolio, sourcing fruit from select vineyard blocks in the Maipo Valley — Chile's benchmark region for Cabernet Sauvignon. The blend is predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon with small additions of Cabernet Franc, Syrah, and Petit Verdot. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks to preserve primary fruit expression, after which the wine matures for approximately 18 months — 63% in French oak barrels (28% new, 72% second-use) and 37% in 5,000-liter Piemontese foudres from Piedmont. This dual-vessel approach balances oak integration with the wine's natural fruit concentration.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with ripe blackberries and dark cherry, layered with cedar, smoke, and a distinctive note of chili chocolate. Grilled walnut and charcoal emerge as the wine breathes, adding complexity to the aromatic profile.

Taste: On the palate, concentrated cassis and black plum lead the entry, building through a mid-palate rich with dark chocolate and spice derived from the French oak aging. The wine is medium-to-full bodied with supple tannins, fresh acidity, and a silky texture that keeps the weight from feeling heavy.

Finish: The finish is lingering and well-structured, with firm tannins that gradually soften into notes of vanilla, cedar, and toasted nut. A thread of dark fruit persists through the close, rewarding patience.

How to Drink Marques de Casa Concha

This Cabernet is best enjoyed at cellar temperature (16–18°C), either in a large-bowled glass to open the aromatics or after a brief decant of 30 minutes for younger vintages. It stands on its own as a sipping wine but also anchors richer recipes. A classic Cabernet-based Sangria benefits from the wine's dark fruit concentration. It works surprisingly well in a Kalimotxo for a rustic, casual serve where the bold fruit holds its own against cola's sweetness. For a sophisticated brunch option, a red wine Mulled Wine preparation highlights its cedar and spice notes beautifully during colder months.

Best For

• Weekend steak dinners where a bold, structured red anchors the table
• Gifting a wine enthusiast who appreciates Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon
• Building a cellar with dependable, critically rated South American reds
• Hosting a comparative tasting of Maipo Valley Cabernets

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Marques de Casa Concha taste like? It delivers concentrated cassis, black plum, and dark chocolate on a medium-to-full body with supple tannins and fresh acidity. Cedar, smoke, and vanilla from French oak aging add depth to the fruit-driven core.

How does Marques de Casa Concha compare to Casillero del Diablo? Both wines come from Concha y Toro, but Marques de Casa Concha sits a clear tier above — sourced from more select vineyard blocks, aged longer in higher-quality French oak, and blended with greater complexity. Casillero del Diablo is positioned as an everyday drinking wine, while Marques de Casa Concha targets the premium segment with consistently higher critic scores.

Is Marques de Casa Concha good for sipping neat? Yes, its concentrated fruit, layered oak complexity, and balanced tannin structure make it an excellent standalone sipper, especially with a brief decant to open the aromatics on younger vintages.

Where is Marques de Casa Concha made? It is produced by Concha y Toro in the Maipo Valley of central Chile, widely regarded as the country's premier region for Cabernet Sauvignon. Concha y Toro, headquartered in Santiago, has operated continuously since its founding in 1883.

What foods pair well with Marques de Casa Concha? Grilled ribeye steak pairs naturally with its bold tannin structure. Slow-braised lamb shanks complement the wine's cedar and spice notes. Aged Manchego or Gouda cheeses match its concentrated dark fruit. Dark chocolate desserts (70% cacao or higher) echo the wine's chocolate undertones. Empanadas with seasoned beef mirror its savory, spice-driven profile.

What sizes does Marques de Casa Concha come in? The standard release is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format.

Is Marques de Casa Concha worth the price? It positions as a premium expression within Concha y Toro's portfolio, sitting well above everyday lines like Casillero del Diablo but below ultra-premium bottlings like Don Melchor. With multiple vintages scoring 90–92 points from critics including James Suckling, Robert Parker, and Vinous, it delivers strong value within the premium Chilean Cabernet category.

Why Marques de Casa Concha?

What distinguishes this wine from the crowded Chilean Cabernet market is the specificity of its aging program — the combination of French oak barrels and large-format Piemontese foudres creates a layered oak profile without overwhelming the Maipo Valley fruit character. Consistent scores of 90 points and above across multiple vintages and multiple publications (James Suckling, Robert Parker, Vinous, Wine Spectator) speak to reliable quality rather than a single standout bottling. As Concha y Toro's premium Cabernet tier, it benefits from the estate's 140-year viticultural knowledge and access to some of Maipo's finest vineyard sites. For drinkers seeking a serious Chilean red that rewards both immediate enjoyment and short-term cellaring, this remains one of the category's most dependable choices.