The influential international media outlet highlighted the iconic Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon Don Melchor as the only representative from Chile in its exclusive list of the 10 wines that have revolutionized the global wine industry, consolidating the country’s reputation as a global benchmark in the production of great wines.

The renowned international media Forbes has featured Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon — the iconic wine from the Viña Concha y Toro holding — as one of the ten wines that changed the history of the global wine industry, in its recent publication titled “10 Wines That Changed the World.” 

In this article, Forbes highlights an exclusive selection of wines that marked a before and after in the wine world due to their ability to transform paradigms, innovate in their origin, and raise quality standards globally. Don Melchor is the only Chilean wine included in the list, reaffirming its position as an icon of excellence and high-end quality on an international level. 

The outlet notes: “For decades, Chile was known more for volume than virtuosity, forever in the shadow of its Old World winemaking counterparts. Don Melchor changed that with one decisive release.” 

The article reviews the key moment, the turning point, and the legacy that today position Don Melchor as one of the greatest references and “game changers” of the global wine industry. 

Enrique Tirado, CEO and Technical Director of Viña Don Melchor, explained to the media that: “Looking back, what truly made this wine transformative was the convergence of vision, expertise, and an exceptional terroir.” He added: “In 1984, Rafael Guilisasti and our winemaker at the time, Goetz von Gersdorff, traveled to Bordeaux and met with the legendary French oenologist Émile Peynaud,” says Tirado. “They brought samples of Cabernet Sauvignon from our Puente Alto vineyard—specifically from Don Melchor. That moment laid the foundation for something extraordinary.” 

Since its first vintage in 1987, Don Melchor has established itself as an undisputed benchmark in showing the world the enormous potential of Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon, particularly from the prestigious Puente Alto Appellation. 

Forbes highlights that Don Melchor was a key figure in elevating Chilean Cabernet to the highest standards and also helped redefine the global perception of Chile as a source of great, elegant wines with excellent aging potential. Enrique Tirado comments: “Don Melchor challenged global perceptions and helped establish Chile as a serious origin for collectible, age-worthy, iconic wines.” 

Today, four decades after its first vintage, Don Melchor remains a symbol of vision, excellence, and authenticity, inspiring new generations of consumers and producers to discover the unique expression of Chilean terroir. Beyond Chile, the brand has been fundamental in positioning South America as a top-tier wine region, capturing the attention and respect of both experts and consumers worldwide, and consolidating its place on the global map of great wines. 

Being recognized by Forbes, one of the most influential international media outlets, as one of the 10 wines that have changed the global industry positions Don Melchor not only as an icon of Chilean wine but as a true “game changer.” This recognition goes beyond an award: it reaffirms Chile as a world-class producer of Cabernet Sauvignon and elevates the country’s image on the global wine map, consolidating Don Melchor’s legacy as a symbol of innovation, quality, and leadership.  

10 Wines That Changed the World 

1. Concha y Toro “Don Melchor” (Puente Alto, 1987 – Chile) 
2. Catena Zapata “Alta” Malbec (Mendoza, 1994 – Argentina) 
3. Duca di Salaparuta “Duca Enrico” (Sicily, 1984 – Italy) 
4. Braida “Bricco dell’Uccellone” (Piedmont, 1982 – Italy) 
5. Marcel Lapierre Morgon (Beaujolais, 1981 – France) 
6. Didier Dagueneau “Silex” (Loire Valley, 1985 – France) 
7. Tyrrell’s Vat 1 Sémillon (Hunter Valley, 1963 – Australia) 
8. Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc (Marlborough, 1985 – New Zealand) 
9. Estate Argyros Assyrtiko (Santorini, 1980s – Greece) 
10. Bonny Doon Vineyard “Le Cigare Volant” (Central Coast, 1984 – United States) 

Parr, D. (2025, 23 de octubre). 10 wines that changed the world. Forbes.