Chile

Friday nights at Khourie’s Fine Wine in Las Vegas can be pure magic: the moment we stepped through the door, the warm glow of exposed brick and sleek wood shelving set the stage for an electric, convivial vibe. Khourie’s was packed—every table filled with locals and visitors alike, glasses in hand, eagerly exploring the thoughtful and varied beer and wine selections. The pizza food truck just outside was just as busy, with a steady line of patrons drawn by the irresistible aroma of oven-baked crusts and bubbling cheese.

Chile’s wine industry is a remarkable blend of history, geography, and economic resilience, making it one of the most significant players in the global wine market.  Rooted in the 16th century when Spanish conquistadors brought vine cuttings to the region, Chilean viticulture thrived due to its unique geography - nestled between the Andes Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, the country enjoys natural barriers that protect its vineyards from pests like phylloxera.  This isolation has preserved many original European vine stocks, allowing Chile to cultivate old-world varietals in their purest forms.  Economically, wine is one of Chile’s top agricultural exports, fueling rural development and employment while placing the nation among the top ten wine producers worldwide.  Today, Chile's wine regions - from the sun-drenched Maipo Valley to the cool-climate Casablanca - offer a diverse range of styles, reflecting both traditional European influences and innovative New World approaches, making Chilean wine an essential part of any global wine discussion. 

At the heart of Chile’s wine industry, lies the Maipo Valley, often referred to as the “Bordeaux of South America,” thanks to its ideal climate for growing Cabernet Sauvignon.  This region, just south of Santiago, benefits from the cooling influence of the Andes and Mediterranean climate, creating a perfect balance or ripeness and structure in its wines.  One of the most iconic producers from Maipo is Vina Concha y Toro, Chile’s largest and most internationally recognized winery.  Established in 1883, it has played a pivotal role in elevating Chilean wine on the world stage.  Among its most celebrated labels is Don Melchor, a single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon that consistently garners critical acclaim for its elegance, depth, and aging potential.  Don Melchor isn’t just a flagship wine - it’s a symbol of Chile’s ability to produce world-class wines that rival the best of France and California.  Tasting a glass is like sipping on a piece of Chilean heritage, where history, terroir, and craftsmanship converge. With a newfound admiration for Don Melchor and its legacy, Annie and I were thrilled to attend a tasting event at Khouries in Las Vegas, where we had the opportunity to meet the man behind the wine, Enrique Tirado.

Adding a touch of golden charm to the evening was Annie, my overly affectionate golden retriever, whose infectious presence and warm spirit made everyone smile. Her joy was as grounding as the celebration itself, and she quickly became a beloved part of the gathering, and actually became a distraction with my conversation with Mr. Tirado because patrons of Khourie's Fine Wine wanted to stop by for a visit.

Meeting Enrique Tirado, the visionary winemaker and agronomist behind Don Melchor, was a truly memorable experience. As someone deeply passionate about wine and the stories behind each bottle, I was incredibly excited—and honestly a bit starstruck—to have the opportunity to meet the mind behind one of Chile’s most iconic wines. His calm demeanor and depth of knowledge were inspiring, and even though our time together was brief, I truly valued the few minutes we shared. I found myself wishing the conversation could have lasted much longer, but I walked away grateful for the insights he offered and the quiet intensity with which he spoke about his craft and the vineyard he so clearly reveres. The evening was made even more special because Don Melchor 2021 claimed the #1 spot in Wine Spectator’s Top 100 Wines of 2024—a well-deserved recognition for a wine that seamlessly balances elegance and power. It was thrilling to share in the celebration of such a remarkable achievement with the very person who helped bring it to life.

Annie living her best life with legendary Chilean winemaker Enrique Tirado and entourage -- a golden moment with a Golden Retriever and winemaking royalty. On this occasion, Annie tried to make the night all about herself.

During our engaging conversation with Enrique, we delved into the geographic and topographic nuances that shape wine production in Chile, from the cooling influence of the Pacific Ocean, including El Nino/La Nina and the Humboldt current, to the dramatic elevation shifts of the Andes that create ideal microclimates. Enrique passionately explained how these natural elements, combined with meticulous agronomy practices support vineyard health and elevate grape quality. As we briefly explored the region's diverse climatic zones, from the arid north to the rainy south, Enrique's stories brought the science to life. His anecdotes reflected not just technical knowledge but an enduring love for the craft of winemaking in Chile.

Our encounter with Enrique Tirado offered a wealth of insight - from the intricate relationship between Chile's geography and its wines to the thoughtful agronomic practices that elevate grape quality and preserve vineyard vitality. Beyond the technical knowledge, what stood out most was Enrique's heartfelt dedication to his craft and the stories that revealed his deep-rooted passion for winemaking. Experiences like this are invaluable in the journey of wine education, reminding me that learning extends far beyond textbooks and lectures - it thrives in conversation, connection, and the shared joy of discovery. And as always, Annie added her own charm to the evening, wagging and winning hearts, reminding me even more that community, curiosity, and a little canine cheer make the wine world all the more special.

If you haven't yet explored Don Melchor, now is the perfect time to discover the elegance and complexity of the Cabernet Sauvignon, a true expression of Chilean terroir. Khourie's Fine Wine is a great place to start, not only for Don Melchor but also for exploring Chile's broader range of varietals, including the deeply savory Carmenere and the rustic charm of Pais, the historic mission grape. These wines offer a journey through Chile's rich viticultural heritage and are sure to deepen your appreciation for this dynamic wine region.

Savoring the 2024 Wine of the Year, Wine Spectator Magazine -- Don Melchor, signed by Enrique -- while Annie enjoys her own kind of vintage splash. #DonMelchor #BackyardBliss #GoldenRetrieverMoments

This wine is deep ruby with garnet reflections. On the nose is medium plus aromatic intensity with complex layers of blackcurrant, black cherry, and plum, followed by savory notes of cedar graphite, and tobacco leaf, while hints of violet, dried herbs, and dark chocolate emerge. On the palate, this wine is full-bodied and structured, yet polished with firm tannins and a vibrant line of acidity - as one would expect with the the 2024 wine of the year. The core is rich in dark fruit - cassis, blackberry, and dark plum - balanced by earthy minerality and oak spice. Wow! The wine is elegant and layered, showing great balance and potential for aging. Sip Don Melchor alongside Enrique Tirado himself - what an unforgettable swirl of elegance, power, and pure winemaking genius in every glass!

TASTING NOTES of OTHER CHILEAN WINES

TerraNoble Gran Reserva Carmenere 2020 Valle del Maule, Chile.

This is a premium-level Carmenere from the Maule Valley, one of Chile's oldest and most diverse wine regions. TerraNoble is well-known for producing wines that emphasize both varietal typicity and regional character. The TerraNoble Gran Reserva Carmenere is deep ruby with a violet rim and is dense and richly colored. On the nose the wine has a medium aromatic intensity of primary aromas that include ripe black fruits (blackberry and black cherry), herbal notes (bay leaf and other dried herbs), secondary aromas that indicate French oak aging (vanilla, mocha, cedar), and some tertiary aromas of chocolate and graphite. On the palate is dry wine that is full-bodied with medium acidity, medium plus tannins (velvety and smooth), approaching high alcohol with flavors of dark fruit compote, black pepper, chocolate, with a savory, meaty finish. The finish is balanced and warming.

Milla Cala 2021 VIK Winery - Millahue Valley, Chile

VIK is a prestigious estate known for producing high-end Bordeaux-style blends from a dramatic, sustainably farmed vineyard in Millahue (place of gold). Milla Cala is their second label, offering both elegance and approachability while maintaining complexity and structure. Although the blending composition is approximate and varies slightly by vintage, it includes Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenere, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Syrah. This blend is deep ruby with violet hues and excellent clarity. On the nose this wine in medium aromatic intensity of primary aromas of ripe black fruit (cassis, plum, and blackberry) and floral notes (violets) with secondary aromas of subtle baking baking spices (clove, cinnamon, and vanilla), and tertiary aromas of graphite and pencil shavings. On the palate this wine is dry, medium bodied with medium acidity and medium plus tannins that are polished, structured, and fine-grained. This wine has a unique flavor profile that includes: black cherry, dark plum, cocoa nibs, and espresso, with herbaceous undertones and a mineral backbone. This is a fantastic blend that has a long and layered finish with notes of spice, forest floor, and dark fruit.

Adrian Torres "Aguila" Pais Vino de Parcela -- Cerro Verde, Itata Valley, Chile, 12.5% ABV

This is a single - parcel Pais wine from Ana Maria Cumsille's vineyard in the historic Itata Valley, a region known for its old-vine, dry-farmed vineyards and volcanic soil. This wine is pale ruby with a pink meniscus due to low pigment extraction and thin skins. It is medium plus aromatic intensity, with bright and lifted aromas of ripe raspberries, crushed strawberries, dried herbs like thyme, rose petals, and savory spice like black pepper. On the palate, the wine is medium bodied, with medium plus acidity and medium minus tannins (soft), with fresh red fruits (wild cherry and pomegranate) with earthy and mineral undertones. This wine is similar to Beaujolais or a light Pinot Noir.

WINE MAPS - Chile