Chilean Wine of the Month

With the current global economic situation, many wine consumers have now branched out from their usual wine regions and gone searching for new wines that can be considered more of a "value". Consumers often make the mistake of assuming that the lower priced wines lack in quality. Many buyers making this assumption should try some of the wines being produced in South America. Producers in both Chile and Argentina are making very quality wines for very reasonable prices. One Chilean producer, Concha y Toro, produce a line of wines named Casillero Del Diablo, or Celler of the Devil en Ingles. This name was given to the cellar that held these wines by Don Melchor, the founder of Concha y Toro. He gave this name to the cellar to discourage his vineyard workers from sampling to much of the wine being held there. Today these wines are growing in popularity because of their affordable cost and high quality.
Being that Cabernet Sauvignon is the most famous red grape being produced in Chile, we will discuss Casillero del Diablo's Cabernet first. The grapes for this Cab are sourced from the Maipo growing region in Chile. It has a dark, deep red color accompanied by flavors of ripe cherry, black currant, vanilla and toasted oak. It is 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Carmenere. 70% is aged in American oak for 6-8 months. A classic Chilean Cabernet!
Some of you may be wondering, What is Carmenere? Carmenere is another red Bordeaux varietal being produced in Chile. Like Malbec in Argentina, Carmenere in Chile is becoming a unique wine on its own. Originally thought of as more of a blending grape, Carmenere has now become a flagship varietal for Chile and its unique flavors a favorite among the Chilean consumers. Diablo's Carmenere is from the Rapel Valley in Chile and is comprised of 85% Carmenere, 10% Cab. Sauv., and 5% Syrah. Black fruit, chocolate and coffee are present on the palate as well as firm tannins making a very well balanced wine. 70% is aged in American Oak for 6-8 months.
Being a generally Bordeaux producing country, the line would not be complete without Merlot. Diablo's Merlot is from the Central Valley and is made up of 90% Merlot and 10% Carmenere. Fruity taste but full bodied; well structerd with notes of chocolate and herbs. 70% is aged in American Oak for 6-8 months as well.
The last red in the line is the Pinot Noir, the only non Bordeaux Varietal featured. This Pinot is fruit forward, but balanced as well. A real surprise in the ever increasing prices of the Pinot Noir market. If you are looking for cheap, good Pinot, do not overlook this wine!
The two white varietals featured will be the Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Both are100% of the varietals. Chile is known for its red wine, but now has been producing some very high quality whites that are quickly gaining recognition worldwide. Give these a try being that summer is near and the prices of these wines are only going up with the notoriety they are receiving.
The Casillero Del Diablo wines will be featured during the month of April at West Vail Liquor Mart. Give these wines a chance, and if you have any questions about them or any other wines, any staff member is more than willing to share their knowledge with you. It is our goal to find a wine that you enjoy!

Nick Agnew
West Vail Liquor Mart