Carmen DO Florillón #6 named among Chile’s Top 17 Wines by James Suckling in 2024

The renowned American critic, through his Top 100 Wines of Chile list, awarded 96 points to Viña Carmen’s wine, praising it as one of his favorite whites.

James Suckling, one of the most influential wine critics globally, has unveiled his Top 100 Wines of Chile 2024 ranking, showcasing the country’s best wines. Carmen DO Florillón #6 secured the 17th spot with a score of 96 points. Suckling referred to it as: “Don’t overlook some of the rarer and more audacious wines on the list (…) It is one of my favorite Chilean whites.”

This annual list honors wines that represent the best of Chile, offering a comprehensive overview of the country’s most outstanding and exciting bottles, while highlighting their uniqueness and exceptional value for money. In this latest edition, the American journalist reviewed over 1,500 wines, praising Viña Carmen’s wine for its unique character and innovative approach.

Carmen DO Florillón #6 is crafted from Semillón grapes sourced from the Quijada family vineyards, planted in 1958 in the Apalta Valley, Colchagua. The vines grow in granite-based soils with deep clay layers altered by the granite bedrock, conditions that promote early ripening, high concentration, and remarkable elegance. The name “Florillón” reflects the unique winemaking process, which involves biological aging under a layer of yeast known as “flor,” imparting complexity and distinction to the wine.

Carmen DO was created with the vision of producing wines in a more artisanal way, with minimal intervention in the winery, emphasizing the origin of the grapes, the varieties, and Chile’s diverse terroirs. “This line aims to strengthen our relationship with small local producers who have worked their vineyards for generations, many with histories dating back over a century, giving our wines a unique character,” explains Ana María Cumsille, Chief Winemaker of Viña Carmen.