Chilean Wine Named the Best in the World for 2024

Chile Travel and News | By Raul Silva M. | Nov., 2024

   

The Chilean wine Don Melchor, vintage 2021, has reached a historic milestone by being named the best wine in the world in Wine Spectator's prestigious Top 100 Wines of 2024 ranking. Since 1988, this renowned magazine has been selecting the 100 most outstanding wines of the year. In September 2024, the American magazine Robb Report, renowned for its focus on luxury, also included Don Melchor vintage 2020 in its list of the 17 most prestigious wines in the world.

This recognition not only highlights the exceptional quality of the wine but also underscores the excellence of Chilean terroir on the global wine stage. The Top 100 wines are selected based on quality, value, availability, and an 'X factor,' such as the story behind the wine. 

Other participating countries, traditionally recognized for producing quality wines, included France, Italy, Spain, the United States, Argentina, and Australia, among others.

History and Production

Don Melchor is produced by the Don Melchor vineyard, a subsidiary of Concha y Toro winery. This wine is a Cabernet Sauvignon blend, composed of 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Merlot. The 2021 vintage is known for its perfect balance of finesse and energy, achieved through 15 months of aging in French oak barrels, followed by an additional year of maturation.

The Terroir of Puente Alto

The success of Don Melchor is largely attributed to the unique terroir of Puente Alto. Located in a region with stony soils and cold winds descending from the Andes, this area offers perfect conditions for producing exceptional Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon. Enrique Tirado, the general manager and technical director of Viña Don Melchor since 1997, has overseen the winemaking process and underscores the exceptional quality of the 2021 vintage.

Recognitions and Achievements

This is not the first international recognition for a Chilean wine; Casa Lapostolle’s Clos Apalta 2005 also claimed first place in the same ranking. However, the achievement of Don Melchor is particularly significant, as it competed against world-renowned wines from countries such as Italy, France, the United States, and Argentina.

Impact on the Chilean Wine Industry

The recognition of Don Melchor 2021 as the best wine in the world underscores Chile's growing reputation as a producer of high-quality wines. This award not only celebrates the excellence of the wine itself but also highlights the commitment and dedication of Chilean winemakers who work tirelessly to maintain and elevate industry standards.