Before 1994 in Chile, Merlot and the yet unidentified Carmenere were planted together, thereby giving the Merlots a slightly green flavour. Since the identification of Carmenere, and seperation of these vines, Chilean Merlots have done very well in international competitions.

Testament to this, a Chilean Merlot was named Best Merlot in the World by the International Wine and Spirits Competition in 2002, and the Casillero del Diablo Merlot 2005 was judged the best Red Varietal in the World at the very important Decanter World Wine Awards 2007.