Casillero del Diablo Merlot 75cl

Casillero del Diablo Merlot 75cl is a smooth, approachable Chilean red wine from the iconic Casillero del Diablo range by Concha y Toro. Made from Merlot grapes grown in Chile’s Central Valley, this wine captures the softer, silkier side of the variety while still offering enough fruit and structure to keep every glass interesting. The producer describes it as silky and smooth, with low astringency and an elegant, balanced finish.

The Story Behind Casillero del Diablo

Casillero del Diablo is one of Chile’s most recognised wine labels, built around the famous “Cellar of the Devil” legend. The brand story comes from founder Don Melchor Concha y Toro, who is said to have spread rumours that the devil lived in his cellar to stop his finest wines from being stolen. That tale helped shape one of the most memorable identities in the wine world and still defines the brand today.

This Merlot belongs to the brand’s Reserva range, the original collection that introduced many drinkers around the world to Casillero del Diablo. It is sourced from Chile’s Central Valley, a region known for its reliable Mediterranean climate and strong winemaking reputation. The producer also notes that the vineyards benefit from alluvial, rocky and stony soils, with hillside sites and granitic subsoil, conditions that help shape the wine’s balance and character.

Style and Character

Casillero del Diablo Merlot is designed to be elegant and accessible. On the nose, the producer highlights cherry and liquorice, layered with toffee and vanilla. On the palate, those flavours open into chocolate and red berry notes, supported by a medium body and soft texture. The result is a wine that feels rounded and smooth rather than heavy, making it a dependable bottle for many tastes and occasions.

The Oaks & Corks listing also describes the wine with notes of blackberries, strawberries, raspberries, chocolate, vanilla and blackcurrants, reinforcing its ripe fruit character and broad appeal.

Food Pairing

This Merlot is highly food-friendly. The producer recommends pairing it with soft cheeses, pasta, risottos and lightly seasoned meats. The Oaks & Corks product page also suggests enjoying it with cheese, pasta, red meat, risotto and spicy dishes. That makes it a flexible dinner-table red, whether you are serving tomato-based pasta, roast meats, mushroom risotto or a cheese board.

Tasting Notes

Nose

Cherry and liquorice lead the aroma, backed by subtle toffee and vanilla, with ripe berry character adding lift and freshness.

Palate

Silky, smooth and medium-bodied, with low astringency. Expect flavours of chocolate, red berries and fresh black fruit, delivered in a balanced, approachable style.

Finish

Elegant and rounded, with a soft, balanced finish that makes the wine easy to return to for another sip.

Serving Suggestion

Serve at 18–20°C for the best expression of its fruit, texture and gentle spice.

Accolades

Casillero del Diablo Merlot has a listed accolade from Descorchados 2020 for Vintage 2018 on the producer’s official Merlot page. While the website does not display a score in the snippet available, the inclusion confirms recognised coverage from one of South America’s best-known wine guides.

More broadly, Casillero del Diablo remains one of Chile’s most internationally recognised wine brands, and its long-running global reputation adds extra confidence for shoppers looking for a trusted bottle from a major producer.