Don Melchor

Don Melchor: Chiles Iconic Wine

Don Melchor is one of Chiles most iconic wines, produced by Viña Don Melchor, a subsidiary of Concha y Toro, Chiles leading winery founded in 1883. The wine is named in honor of Don Melchor, the founder of the Concha y Toro wine empire.

The Birth of Don Melchor

The story of Don Melchor began when Concha y Toro set out to craft a premium wine that would showcase Chiles exceptional winemaking potential. The first vintage of Don Melchor was released in 1987, made from Cabernet Sauvignon grapes grown in the Puente Alto vineyard in the Maipo Valley.

Puente Alto Vineyard The Heart of Cabernet Sauvignon

The Puente Alto vineyard is recognized as one of Chiles finest Cabernet Sauvignon growing regions, thanks to its ideal soil and climate conditions, which produce high-quality grapes. This results in a wine with complex, balanced flavors and intense fruity aromas.

Vineyard Management and Blending Techniques

Another standout feature of Don Melchor is its meticulous vineyard management. The vineyard is divided into small plots to precisely control grape quality in each section. Additionally, blending with other grape varietiessuch as Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petit Verdotadds further complexity and depth to the wine. Typically, Don Melchor consists of 90-95% Cabernet Sauvignon, with the remaining percentage varying by vintage.

Guidance from Renowned Bordeaux Experts

The early vintages of Don Melchor were produced under the guidance of Jacques Boissenot, a renowned Bordeaux winemaking consultant, who oversaw production until 2013. Afterward, his son, Enrique Tirado, took over as head winemaker and continues in that role today.

Awards and International Recognition

Over the years, Don Melchor has earned numerous awards and high ratings from top wine critics worldwide. In 1992, the 1988 vintage was honored by Wine Spectator, ranking in its Top 100 Wines of the Worlda historic first for a Chilean wine.

Wine Spectator A Leading Global Wine Authority

Wine Spectator, one of the most influential wine magazines globally (founded in 1976), annually rates and reviews wines based on quality, value, availability, and storytelling.

Top Rankings in Wine Spectators Lists

In 2014, the 2010 vintage ranked #9 in Wine Spectators Top 100 Wines of the World.

In 2017, the 2014 vintage was listed in Wine Spectators Top 100 Wines of 2017.

The 2018 vintage received a perfect 100-point score from Robert Parkers Wine Advocate, along with 95+ ratings from James Suckling and Decanter.

Critical Acclaim from Global Wine Experts

In 2020, the 2017 vintage scored 94 points from Anthony Gismondi, a North American wine critic, who described it as:
"Don Melchor offers a unique aromatic profilebeginning with the herbal scent of Boldo (a native Chilean plant), layered with ripe dark berries, subtle spices, and a delicate hint of vanilla. These elements harmonize beautifully, showcasing the meticulous craftsmanship behind this premium wine."

Don Melchor 2021 A Historic Milestone

Most recently, in 2024, the 2021 vintage achieved the highest honor#1 in Wine Spectators Top 100 Wines of 2024, with a 96-point score. This marks a historic milestone for Chilean wine. It also received 97 points from James Suckling, former senior editor and European bureau chief of Wine Spectator.

Praise from Wine Spectator

Wine Spectator praised the 2021 Don Melchor, stating:
"Don Melchor has become the benchmark for Chilean wine, earning global acclaim. Over 30 years of precision winemaking have made Puente Altos Cabernet Sauvignon one of the most sought-after winesnow crowned Wine Spectators 2024 Wine of the Year."

Concha y Toros Pride and Legacy

Eduardo Guilisasti, CEO of Viña Concha y Toro, expressed:
"We are immensely proud that Don Melchor 2021 has been named #1 by Wine Spectator. This achievement reflects the exceptional terroir of Puente Alto and our unwavering commitment to producing the finest wines."