There are a few good films with wine-related themes and most people will have heard of Sideways which is not about wine but it is certainly a theme. One of the two main characters is a dedicated wine enthusiast with clearly defined tastes. It is said that this film was responsible for damaging the US sales of Merlot after Miles, the character in question, declares passionately '...if anyone orders Merlot, I'm leaving. I am not drinking any f*****g Merlot!'
Week M (2015) Casillero del Diabolo, Merlot. 2014. Tesco £8.
So, does it deserve that reaction? No.
Merlot is one of the great grapes of Bordeaux where it contributes soft fruity tones to blends with Cabernet Sauvignon which provides more tannin. This wine is a pure varietal with 100% Merlot and comes from the Rapel Valley of Chile. This is around the middle of the long Chilean wine region, slightly to the South of the mid-point.
The climate is moderated by proximity to the Pacific coast and, therefore, cooler than other parts of the country. This is well suited to the production of a modern style of Merlot which is very easy to drink, not overly complex and has levels of tannin that provide some structure but don't dry your mouth.
There are more interesting Merlots, or Merlot based blends (see Week P (2015)), but this is definitely a good value, pleasing drink. Not going to rock your world, but not going to let you down either. Its the type of thing that makes sense to have a few bottlesin the 'cellar' ready for when the mood strikes, or when the neighbour pops round to be beaten at cribbage.
Concha y Toro is the largest exporter of South American wine and accounts for a quarter of Chile's production. They have been producing wine since 1883 and have many brands and labels in their portfolio. Casillero del Diabolo fits under the broad heading of 'Premium Wines',which I take to mean mid-range, not being the cheapest, but not claiming to fit into 'Fine Wines'. Considering the price, which is about as little as it makes sense to pay in the UK this points to the good value that can often be had from the wines of Chile.
If you haven't seen Sideways, then I would recommend it. Not for the wine advice, but for some very entertaining moments, especially one set on a golf course.
Week M (2015) Casillero del Diabolo, Merlot. 2014. Tesco £8.So, does it deserve that reaction? No.
Merlot is one of the great grapes of Bordeaux where it contributes soft fruity tones to blends with Cabernet Sauvignon which provides more tannin. This wine is a pure varietal with 100% Merlot and comes from the Rapel Valley of Chile. This is around the middle of the long Chilean wine region, slightly to the South of the mid-point.
The climate is moderated by proximity to the Pacific coast and, therefore, cooler than other parts of the country. This is well suited to the production of a modern style of Merlot which is very easy to drink, not overly complex and has levels of tannin that provide some structure but don't dry your mouth.
There are more interesting Merlots, or Merlot based blends (see Week P (2015)), but this is definitely a good value, pleasing drink. Not going to rock your world, but not going to let you down either. Its the type of thing that makes sense to have a few bottlesin the 'cellar' ready for when the mood strikes, or when the neighbour pops round to be beaten at cribbage.
Concha y Toro is the largest exporter of South American wine and accounts for a quarter of Chile's production. They have been producing wine since 1883 and have many brands and labels in their portfolio. Casillero del Diabolo fits under the broad heading of 'Premium Wines',which I take to mean mid-range, not being the cheapest, but not claiming to fit into 'Fine Wines'. Considering the price, which is about as little as it makes sense to pay in the UK this points to the good value that can often be had from the wines of Chile.
If you haven't seen Sideways, then I would recommend it. Not for the wine advice, but for some very entertaining moments, especially one set on a golf course.
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