Concha y Toro Casillero Del Diablo Merlot

Concha y Toro Casillero Del Diablo Merlot is a 100% Merlot from Chile's Central Valley, bottled at 13.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Sourced from vineyards shaped by Pacific coastal influence and partially matured in French and American oak, this expression carries more depth and structure than many wines at its price tier, making it one of the most recognized Merlots in the global market.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13.5%  |  Origin: Central Valley, Chile  |  Varietal: 100% Merlot  |  Winery: Concha y Toro

Production & Heritage

Concha y Toro was founded in 1883 by Don Melchor Concha y Toro in Chile's Central Valley and has grown into one of the largest and most widely distributed wine producers in the Southern Hemisphere. The Casillero del Diablo line takes its name from a legend in which Don Melchor spread rumors that the devil himself guarded his private cellar — a story he concocted to keep workers from pilfering his finest reserves. The Merlot expression draws fruit from Central Valley vineyards where warm days and cool Pacific-influenced nights allow for even ripening on mineral-rich soils. The wine is partially matured in a combination of French and American oak barrels, lending it toasted complexity that complements the fruit-forward varietal character.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with ripe plum and black cherry, followed by darker notes of blackcurrant and blackberry. A secondary layer of subtle chocolate and warm spice emerges, supported by a gentle toasted oak backdrop.

Taste: The palate entry is smooth and fruit-driven, with plum and cherry arriving first and settling into a velvety mid-palate. Dark chocolate and spice develop through the middle, integrating well with the soft, rounded tannins. The oak influence adds a toasted richness without overwhelming the fruit core.

Finish: The finish is medium in length with lingering dark fruit and a faint cocoa note. Tannins remain supple through the close, leaving a clean and balanced impression.

How to Drink Casillero Del Diablo Merlot

This Merlot drinks well at a slight chill — around 60–65°F — which keeps the fruit lively without muting the oak influence. It works equally well poured straight or as a cocktail base. A Red Wine Sangria benefits from the wine's dark fruit profile and spice notes. A Kalimotxo (red wine and cola) highlights the chocolate undertones in a casual, refreshing format. A Mulled Wine during cooler months amplifies the existing spice and plum character with warming aromatics like cinnamon and star anise.

Best For

• Weeknight dinners with grilled meats or pasta
• Introducing red wine drinkers to Chilean Merlot
• Stocking a home bar with a reliable, food-friendly red
• Bringing a crowd-pleasing bottle to a casual gathering

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Casillero Del Diablo Merlot taste like? It leads with ripe plum and cherry flavors, followed by dark chocolate and subtle spice, all wrapped in soft, velvety tannins from partial oak aging.

How does Casillero Del Diablo Merlot compare to Yellow Tail Merlot? Both rank among the most powerful global wine brands according to Wine Intelligence's Global Wine Brand Power Index. Casillero Del Diablo distinguishes itself with partial French and American oak maturation, which adds a toasted complexity and slightly firmer tannin structure than Yellow Tail's typically fruit-forward, softer style.

Is Casillero Del Diablo Merlot good for beginners? Yes — its smooth tannins, approachable dark fruit, and balanced sweetness-to-dryness ratio make it an accessible entry point for anyone exploring red wine or Chilean Merlot specifically.

Where is Casillero Del Diablo Merlot made? It is produced by Concha y Toro, Chile's largest and most historic winery, founded in 1883. The grapes are sourced from vineyards in Chile's Central Valley, a broad viticultural region influenced by the Pacific Ocean's cooling coastal breezes.

What foods pair well with Casillero Del Diablo Merlot? Grilled beef or lamb chops complement the wine's dark fruit and oak-driven depth. Tomato-based pasta dishes echo its ripe fruit acidity. Semi-hard cheeses like aged Gouda or Manchego match the chocolate and spice notes. Roasted mushrooms mirror the wine's earthy undertones, and dark chocolate desserts amplify its cocoa finish.

What sizes does Casillero Del Diablo Merlot come in? The standard release is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format across markets.

Is Casillero Del Diablo Merlot worth the price? It positions firmly in the entry-level value tier, but the partial oak aging and Central Valley fruit sourcing deliver complexity that punches above its weight relative to many mass-market competitors at a similar price point.

Why Casillero Del Diablo Merlot?

What separates this wine from the crowded field of sub-premium Merlots is Concha y Toro's use of both French and American oak during maturation — a step many producers at this price point skip entirely. The Central Valley's Pacific-influenced climate produces fruit with enough natural acidity to keep the wine balanced rather than jammy. Concha y Toro's 140-plus years of Chilean winemaking experience translates into consistency across vintages, a critical factor for a wine purchased by millions of consumers worldwide. For drinkers seeking an everyday Merlot with genuine oak character and reliable quality, this remains one of the strongest options in its class.