WOTM (Wine of the Month) – August 2016
Carménère
This month, our Wine of the Month (WOTM) is a delicious Carménère from Chile.
Along with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot, Carménère is considered part of the original six red grapes of Bordeaux, France.
(That said, there are others who indicate that it originated in Spain, then was brought to Italy by the Romans, and eventually made its way to France, but we’ll leave the origin stories to the movies.)
Regardless of its origin, everyone agrees that the Carménère grape eventually made its way to Chile, where it flourishes to this day. The climate and soil in Chile allow the Carménère grapes to grow and thrive.
Carménère wine has a deep red color and aromas found in red fruits, spices and berries. The tannins are gentler and softer than those in Cabernet Sauvignon and it is a medium body wine. Carménère imparts a cherry-like, fruity flavor with smoky, spicy and earthy notes and a deep crimson color. Its taste might also be reminiscent of dark chocolate, tobacco, and leather. The wine drinks very well while it is young and continues to improve with age.
The Winexpert Selection kit is described as a “Deep crimson, with dark cherry aroma, red fruits and berry notes running to a smoky, spicy finish with notes of dark chocolate and tobacco. With medium body and moderate tannins, Carménère drinks well young and improves with age. Drink with grilled beef, pizza, or dark chocolate”.
Interested in trying your hand at a Carménère, this month’s WOTM? We have lots of the Winexpert Selection kits in stock.
Stop on by!
