Santa Rita 120 Merlot

Santa Rita 120 Merlot is a 100% Merlot red wine from Chile's Central Valley, bottled at 13.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Named after one of the most storied events in Chilean history, this expression has earned 16 Wine Enthusiast Best Buy selections since 2017 and took a Silver Medal at the 2020 Concours Mondial de Bruxelles — a remarkable track record for a wine at this price tier.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13.5%  |  Origin: Central Valley, Chile  |  Varietal: 100% Merlot  |  Producer: Viña Santa Rita

Production & Heritage

Viña Santa Rita, one of Chile's oldest and most prominent wine estates, takes its "120" range name from the 120 Chilean patriots who sought refuge in the estate's cellars during the country's 19th-century war of independence. The winery draws fruit from vineyards across the Rapel Valley and broader Central Valley, where warm days and cool Pacific-influenced nights allow Merlot to ripen fully while retaining freshness. Traditional winemaking techniques and brief contact with oak produce a fruit-forward, approachable style designed for early drinking rather than extended cellaring.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Fresh strawberry and ripe plum rise first, followed by light vanilla and a subtle floral lift. Behind the fruit sits a gentle layer of dried herbs and a faint whisper of tobacco leaf.

Taste: The entry is soft and medium-bodied, with juicy blackberry and plum flavors dominating the mid-palate. As the wine opens, fine herbs and a measured note of spicy oak emerge, supported by round, supple tannins that give the wine a smooth, almost pasty texture.

Finish: Medium in length with lingering ripe red fruit and a trace of warm vanilla. The tannins fade gently, leaving a clean, fruity impression that invites the next sip.

How to Drink Santa Rita 120 Merlot

Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F) for the fullest expression of fruit and structure; a brief 15-minute opening before pouring helps the aromas unfold. This is an easy-drinking, food-friendly red equally enjoyable on its own or at the table.

• Red Wine Sangria: The plum-and-berry profile provides a naturally fruity base that blends seamlessly with citrus and seasonal fruit.
• Wine Spritzer: Mixed with chilled sparkling water and a squeeze of lime, the soft tannins and bright fruit make a refreshing warm-weather pour.
• Kalimotxo: A classic Basque combination of red wine and cola — the Merlot's low tannin and ripe sweetness balance the soda's carbonation and bitterness surprisingly well.

Best For

• Weeknight dinners when you want a reliable, no-fuss red
• Introducing new wine drinkers to Merlot's approachable style
• Casual gatherings, barbecues, and potluck entertaining
• Stocking a house red that consistently over-delivers for its price tier

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Santa Rita 120 Merlot taste like? It is a medium-bodied, fruit-forward Merlot led by ripe plum and blackberry flavors, wrapped in soft tannins with hints of vanilla and dried herbs. The overall impression is smooth, round, and easy to drink.

How does Santa Rita 120 Merlot compare to Casillero del Diablo Merlot? Both are value-tier Chilean Merlots from the Central Valley and compete in the same price bracket. Santa Rita 120 tends toward a softer, more fruit-driven profile with lighter tannins, while Casillero del Diablo Merlot generally shows slightly more oak influence and structure.

Is Santa Rita 120 Merlot good for beginners? Its soft tannins, accessible fruit character, and medium body make it one of the friendliest entry points into red wine. There is nothing aggressive or overly complex here, which is exactly the point.

Where is Santa Rita 120 Merlot made? It is produced by Viña Santa Rita, a historic Chilean estate, using Merlot grapes sourced from vineyards in the Rapel Valley and greater Central Valley of Chile. The Central Valley benefits from a Mediterranean climate moderated by Pacific Ocean breezes.

What foods pair well with Santa Rita 120 Merlot? Grilled chicken thighs work well because the wine's soft tannins complement smoky, charred flavors. Tomato-based pasta dishes mirror the wine's ripe acidity, while mild cheeses like Gouda or young Manchego echo its vanilla notes. Pork tenderloin and bean-based stews also pair naturally with the wine's medium body and herbal undertones.

What sizes does Santa Rita 120 Merlot come in? The standard bottle is 750ml, which is the most widely available format for this wine.

Is Santa Rita 120 Merlot worth the price? Santa Rita 120 Merlot positions firmly as an entry-level red that punches above its weight — 16 Wine Enthusiast Best Buy designations since 2017 and a Silver Medal at the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles speak to consistent quality at a budget-friendly price point.

Why Santa Rita 120 Merlot?

Few wines in this value tier can claim the consistency that the 120 Merlot delivers vintage after vintage. Sixteen Best Buy nods from Wine Enthusiast in a span of several years is not a fluke — it reflects disciplined sourcing from Chile's prolific Central Valley and a winemaking approach that prioritizes clean, ripe fruit over unnecessary complexity. The historical backstory of the 120 patriots adds genuine character to a label that might otherwise be overlooked on a crowded shelf. For drinkers who want a dependable, soft-textured Merlot that shows what Chilean wine does best at the everyday level, the 120 remains a benchmark.