In a wine world that seems to reinvent itself every six months – new trends, new regions, new influencers telling consumers what to drink next – consistency has quietly become a rare luxury. So many wines today are built for the moment: bright labels, trendy varietals, short-lived hype. But behind the noise, there are producers who have managed to stay relevant not by chasing the market, but by simply doing what they do best – year after year, vineyard after vineyard, vintage after vintage. Marques de Casa Conche is one of those producers.
Launched in 1976 as the premium range within the Concha y Toro family, the brand was named after an 18th century title – but reputation has been earned through heritage and an unwavering commitment to quality. It’s a label that has outlasted trends, navigated shifting consumer tastes, and survived the industry’s constant reinvention.
When Concha y Toro introduced Marques de Casa Concha nearly 50 years ago, Chile wasn’t yet recognized as a global force for fine wine. The idea of creating a premium, terroir-driven range was bold. But the philosophy was simple: select the best vineyards sites for each grape, apply meticulous winemaking, and craft wines with balance, structure and longevity.
That early decision to prioritize quality laid the foundation for everything the brand would become. Even as the rest of the world shifted towards big, extracted styles in the 90’s, then towards fresher, more restrained styled wines in recent years – Marques de Casa Concha remained steady, quietly refining its identity.
Photo: Sarah Matthews
Why Consistency Matters More Than Ever
Consistency in wine is not sameness. It is reliability, intentional craft, and the ability to offer wine lovers a sense of grounded in a world that feels increasingly unpredictable. The wines I have tasted from Moarques de Casa Concha are not accidental, they are made with passion, precision and focus. Rather than forcing the grapes into a house style, the winemakers allow the terroir to speak. They plant varieties in regions that are best suited to it: Chardonnay from the cool, limestone-rich Limarí Valley. Cabernet Sauvignon from the Andes-influenced Maipo and Puente Alto, Carmenère from Peumo, and Pinot Noir from coastal Bio Bío. The result is a lineup of wines that feel cohesive, and not repetitive.
If I could choose one quality that defines Marques de Casa Concha, it is patience – that almost old-world insistence on doing things properly, even if the world is moving faster around you. The winemaking is thoughtful, the oak is measured, and the fruit is allowed to express itself rather than be sculpted into a fashionable profile. The wines are built beautifully for drinkability, but also longevity. They are generous without being heavy, polished without being showy, and expressive without being excess.
A Consistent Cabernet and Chardonnay
What’s most interesting, and often overlooked, is that consistency at this level is actually a form of innovation. It requires research, vineyard investment, and deep understanding of each valley’s microclimate. I think it required a discipline to make small, significant adjustments rather than a sweeping stylistic changes…and to allow humility to let the fruit lead the way. There are two wines in particular, having tasted them recently that I think reflects this philosophy.
Left: Marques de Casa Concha Chardonnay 2023, Right: Marques de Casa Concha Cabernet Sauvignon 2022.
Photo: SAQ
Marques de Casa Concha Chardonnay 2023
SAQ: 114161141, $22.85 — This Chardonnay from the Limarí Valley grown in limestone soils and cooked by morning coastal clouds is vibrant and beautifully silky. It opens with ripe Anjou pear, bright citrus, and a whisper of toasted almond, all carried by a clean, mineral spine. On the Palate, its fresh yet satisfyingly textured- full enough to feel generous, but never heavy. A graceful balance of weight and a crispness that leads into a long, mineral-driven, fruit forward finish. Outstanding.
Marques de Casa Concha Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
SAQ: 106942253, $25.50 — Sourced from the Maipo and Puente Alto, this Cabernet opens with pure cassis, blackberry, and dark, beautifully ripe cherry, layered with subtle notes of cedar and vanilla. The tannins are fine-grained and elegant – shaped by the Andes’ cool mountain air and the region’s gravelly soils. It’s polished without ever tipping into heaviness. A timeless, quietly confident Cabernet that is made for sharing around a dinner table with family and friends.
The more I taste wines from around the world, the more I appreciate producers who don’t bend with every gust of change. Marques de Casa Concha hasn’t had to reinvent itself for new trends because its philosophy already resonates with modern drinkers: clarity, balance, and wines that reflect origin. I see this as a kid of luxury – a quiet and confident one…. One that more wineries can learn from.
Certified sommelier and educator, Mandi Robertson started her wine career in Melbourne, Australia. Now in Montreal, she hosts virtual wine events and is a wine consultant for public and private clients. She’s also the wine contributor for Global News Montreal, and CJAD800. For any questions, inquiries or to find out more, visit www.awalkonthewineside.ca or follow her on Instagram and Facebook @mandiwineside
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