Concha y Toro Casillero Del Diablo Sauvignon Blanc

Concha y Toro Casillero Del Diablo Sauvignon Blanc is a 100% Sauvignon Blanc from Chile’s cool-climate valleys, bottled at 13% ABV in a standard 750ml format. The 2018 vintage earned 90 points from James Suckling, who praised its fresh, clean character with green apple, melon, and lime notes a benchmark score for this widely recognized label.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13% | Origin: Central Valley, Chile | Varietal: 100% Sauvignon Blanc | Producer: Via Concha y Toro

Production & Heritage

Via Concha y Toro was founded in 1883 by Don Melchor Concha y Toro in Santiago, Chile, and has grown into one of Latin America’s most prominent wine producers. The Casillero del Diablo range takes its name from the legendary cellar where Don Melchor reportedly spread rumors of a lurking devil to keep thieves away from his finest reserves. This Sauvignon Blanc draws fruit from cool-climate vineyard sites across Chile’s Central Valley and Casablanca Valley, where Pacific Ocean breezes preserve natural acidity and aromatic intensity. Fermentation and aging occur entirely in stainless steel tanks on the lees, a technique that maintains bright fruit expression while adding subtle textural weight without any oak influence.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with vivid lime zest and pink grapefruit, followed by green apple and a clean herbal quality reminiscent of fresh-cut grass. Beneath these primary notes, a delicate hint of gooseberry adds complexity.

Taste: On entry, the palate is crisp and citrus-driven, with bright lemon and tangerine flavors leading the way. The mid-palate broadens with ripe peach and melon tones, balanced by a mineral streak that reflects the fruit’s cool-climate origins. A thread of racy acidity holds everything in focus through the peak.

Finish: The finish is medium in length, clean, and refreshing, with lingering grapefruit pith and a faint honeyed quality. A subtle grassy note returns at the very end, keeping the wine lively and inviting.

How to Drink Casillero Del Diablo Sauvignon Blanc

Serve well chilled at around 810C (4650F) to maximize its aromatic lift and citrus brightness. This wine is an excellent sipper on its own but also performs well in wine-based cocktails. A classic White Wine Spritzer amplifies its effervescent acidity with a splash of soda. A Hugo Spritz built with elderflower syrup, prosecco, and fresh mint complements the wine’s herbal undertones. For something tropical, a Sauvignon Blanc Sangria loaded with sliced citrus, green apple, and a dash of triple sec highlights the fruit-forward profile.

Best For

• Weeknight dinners featuring grilled fish, salads, or light pasta dishes
• Warm-weather gatherings where a chilled, easy-drinking white is the priority
• Introducing someone to Chilean Sauvignon Blanc without a steep price commitment
• Building a diverse case of everyday wines across multiple varietals

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Casillero Del Diablo Sauvignon Blanc taste like? It delivers bright citrus flavors lime, grapefruit, and tangerine layered with green apple, peach, and a subtle grassy herbal quality. The acidity is zesty and refreshing, with a clean, medium-length finish.

How does Casillero Del Diablo Sauvignon Blanc compare to Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc? Marlborough expressions from New Zealand tend to be more pungently herbaceous and passion-fruit driven, while Casillero Del Diablo leans toward ripe citrus and melon with a softer herbal edge, reflecting Chile’s warmer Central Valley climate and stainless steel lees aging.

Is Casillero Del Diablo Sauvignon Blanc good for beginners? Its approachable fruit-forward profile, moderate 13% ABV, and clean acidity make it an excellent starting point for anyone exploring Sauvignon Blanc or Chilean wine in general.

Where is Casillero Del Diablo Sauvignon Blanc made? It is produced by Via Concha y Toro, headquartered in Santiago, Chile, using Sauvignon Blanc grapes sourced from cool-climate vineyard sites in Chile’s Central Valley and Casablanca Valley regions.

What foods pair well with Casillero Del Diablo Sauvignon Blanc? Grilled white fish such as sea bass benefits from the wine’s citrus acidity. Fresh goat cheese salads mirror its tangy brightness. Ceviche is a natural regional pairing, with the lime-driven palate echoing the dish’s citrus marinade. Herb-roasted chicken complements the wine’s grassy undertones, and light vegetable sushi rolls work well with its clean, mineral finish.

What sizes does Casillero Del Diablo Sauvignon Blanc come in? It is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle, and some markets also carry a 1.5L magnum format.

Is Casillero Del Diablo Sauvignon Blanc worth the price? Positioned firmly as an entry-level Chilean Sauvignon Blanc, it consistently over-delivers for its value tier the 90-point James Suckling score on the 2018 vintage underscores its quality relative to the modest price point.

Why Casillero Del Diablo Sauvignon Blanc?

The 90-point score from James Suckling places this wine among the better-regarded bottles in the entry-level Sauvignon Blanc category worldwide. Its production is rooted in a straightforward but effective approach: cool-climate Chilean fruit fermented and aged on lees in stainless steel, yielding bright aromatics and clean texture without oak interference. Concha y Toro’s 140-plus years of winemaking experience and access to diverse vineyard sites across Chile’s coastal and valley appellations give the winemaking team a broad palette of fruit to draw from. For a wine at this price tier, the combination of verifiable critical recognition, consistent vintage quality, and genuine varietal expression makes it a reliable choice in a crowded field.