Chilean winery fills role of predictable 'house wine'

 As fun as it is to discover and taste new wines, many wine consumers also like to have a go-to "house wine" that can always be relied on for good quality and affordability.

Casillero del Diablo by Concha y Toro is one of the top producers in Chile. As the brand has increased in volume through the years, the quality seems to have only gotten better. The brand is affordable, consistent, offers a full range of varietals and styles, and is well distributed, making it easy to find. Whether you are looking for a substantial Cabernet Sauvignon or a crisp and refreshing Sauvignon Blanc, Casillero del Diablo produces something for everyone at an affordable price.

Casillero del Diablo, Chile, $9.99.

Chardonnay — Aged 30 percent in oak and 70 percent in stainless-steel tanks, this is a crowd pleasing Chardonnay. It has enough oak for those that prefer an oaky style, but it is also light enough for those that don't like too much oak. Richer fruit flavors of pineapple and peach and a hint of citrus balance the wine. Medium bodied, but still refreshing.

Sauvignon Blanc — All the flavors that Sauvignon Blanc should have are present — grapefruit acidity with a hint of peach and citrus. However, there is a hint of sweetness that softens the tartness, allowing it to be a great food wine and a great sipping wine. If summer ever gets here, this is the perfect white to have on hand for sipping poolside, on the beach, or serving with our local seafood.

Gewürztraminer — Delicate fruit flavors of peach and melon are balanced by a refreshing crispness. A hint of sweetness makes this a great white to stand up to some spicier flavors. I have encountered many consumers through the years who think they don't like this varietal due to much sweeter styles they have tried in the past. This is a style that is much drier and refreshing and is a pleasant surprise.

Merlot — Full bodied with dominant flavors of mocha and plum, this is a BIG Merlot. Nicely structured with soft tannins and a big mouth feel. In some vintages, the Merlot has actually been heavier than the Cabernet Sauvignon.

Cabernet Sauvignon — Flavors of ripe cherry and black plum and a hint of vanilla that comes from the oak age. Tannins are present but the wine is smooth and elegant on the palate.

Carménère — Good structure and concentration of ripe fruit flavors. A hint of earthiness is softened by the vanilla and oak flavors. Carménère is a grape unique to Chile and is often described as a bit heavier than Merlot and a bit lighter than Cabernet Sauvignon.
Shiraz — Casillero del Diablo recently introduced this to the Massachusetts market and it lives up to the brand's reputation. Loads of fresh fruit flavors are blanced by a hint of pepper, chocolate, and toasty oak. Tannins and a hint of acidity round out the wine, giving it a smooth finish.

Casillero del Diablo Reserva Privada, Chile, $16.99 — New to the Casillero del Diablo line and new to the Massachusetts market, this wine gives a lot of bang for the buck. It is a blend of 65 percent Cabernet Sauvignon and 35 percent Syrah. The wine is aged in French oak for 14 months, which gives it a nice hint of vanilla and smoke which is a flavorful contrast to the ripe berry flavors. The Syrah softens the big bold flavors that Chilean Cabernets are known for and the Cabernet really brings out the Syrah. A great wine that is full flavored yet easy drinking!

The name Casillero del Diablo, "Cellar of the Devil," came about when the founder, Don Melchor de Concha y Toro, noticed that some of his best wines were getting stolen from his wine cellar. To discourage this action, Don Melchor spread the rumor that his deepest, darkest cellar was the Casillero del Diablo, so no one would dare go in there. It worked, and a legend was born.

Today, this mysterious and legendary cellar continues to hold the finest estate grown wines of Casillero del Diablo.