Xplorador Merlot (2023)

About this wine

This Xplorador Merlot is made from Merlot grapes grown in Chile’s Central Valley, and it shows ripe black cherry and plum on the nose. The palate is medium bodied with smooth, round tannins and flavors that include cassis, dark chocolate, and a hint of black pepper. Winemaking is straightforward, with most of the wine fermented in stainless steel and a small portion matured briefly in oak to keep the fruit forward and the texture soft. The wine has a clean, direct finish and an easy drinking profile that reflects Central Valley ripeness rather than overt oak. Historically Xplorador Merlot releases have been noted for value and consistency, and tasting notes for recent bottlings emphasize fruit clarity, gentle tannins, and modest alcohol.

About the grape

Merlot originated in the Bordeaux region of France and was brought to Chile in the 19th century where it adapted well to the warm, alluvial soils of the Central Valley. In Chile Merlot is valued for its early ripening and plush fruit, and growers here commonly train the vines for balanced yields and pick some lots by hand while using mechanical harvest for others to control ripeness and volume. For this Xplorador bottling Concha y Toro typically ages most of the Merlot briefly in stainless steel or concrete to preserve freshness, with a small portion seeing short oak to add structure, reflecting the varietal role as the single grape in the wine. The grape is widely planted across Central Valley subregions, and its forgiving nature and consistent ripening make it a reliable choice for large scale production while still allowing parcels to show regional differences in texture and concentration.

Quick facts

• 🧭 Xplorador means explorer in Spanish and the label leans into adventure with bright, travel inspired packaging that invites curiosity.
• 🌍 Xplorador Merlot is a value driven wine from Concha y Toro designed to reach global shelves so the same approachable style shows up in many countries.
• 🧪 Chilean Merlot was for decades confused with Carmenère which shaped how winemakers like Concha y Toro handled Merlot plantings and harvests in the Central Valley.
• 🧊 This Merlot is often aged mainly in stainless steel rather than heavy oak so the bottle highlights juicy plum and dark chocolate notes with a fresher profile.
• 🚜 Because Concha y Toro owns vast vineyard acreage across valleys the Xplorador line can blend grapes from different sites to deliver a consistent, crowd pleasing flavor every vintage.

Palate profile

Producer

Founded in 1883 by Don Melchor de Santiago Concha y Toro and his wife, Emiliana Subercaseaux, Concha y Toro is Chile's largest wine producer and exporter, with a presence in over 130 countries. The winery is renowned for its iconic Casillero del Diablo brand, inspired by a legend that Don Melchor spread rumors of the devil inhabiting his cellar to deter wine thieves. In 1994, Concha y Toro played a pivotal role in the rediscovery of the Carmenère grape, previously thought extinct, solidifying Chile's position as the world's leading producer of this variety. The winery's commitment to quality and innovation has earned it numerous accolades, including being named among the World's Most Admired Wine Brands by Drinks International.