So we just wanted to say thanks to all those peeps who attended KK5 this past Saturday and an extra special thanks to all who drank the sweet juice we provided. We (both patrons and sponsors) need to support local events such as this in order for Charleston to keep progressing culturally. Plus, having something fresh and fun is always welcomed. See you in six months for KK6.
Kulture Klash 5- Boo Ya!
It’s Carmenere Time, Baby.
So I have seemingly become fascinated with South American wines and for one reason and one reason only: the quality to value ratio (not a real mathematical ratio). The concept is simple: high quality wine for not a lot of money. I hate to pigeonhole the wines from South America because there are many high-end, world-class examples that rival the world’s best (well almost), but the lower end juice is consistently stronger than its competitors’ swill. It’s a win-win, especially in these tough economic times (as if it needs to be said).
So let’s talk about one of my particular faves, Carmenère.
Once misidentified as Merlot, this varietal has recently had a resurgence in interest, becoming the leader of the red wine revolution (more like a maturing process actually) throughout Chile. Originally transplanted from Bordeaux in the 19th century, Carmenère is the perfect blend of old world (Europe) and new world (everywhere else) styles. It has the structure, balance and rusticity of old world wines coupled with the body, richness and fruit of new world wines. It’s a medium- to full-bodied wine of ripe berry notes, sweet spice, smoke and wet dirt (the tasty kind). Highly recommended as the temperature begins to drop and nothing seems better than curling up with an oversized glass of red wine on a Siberian polar bear skin in front of a large fire. Nice!!
We are currently pouring Chono’s Reserva from the Maipo Valley. The juice is crafted by Espinoza, one of South America’s leading biodynamic winemakers. Come check it out on its own or as part of the South American flight. You will not be disappointed.
Graciano
So I feel like I keep hearing about single-varietal bottlings of Graciano but have yet to ever see one. It is one of the four approved varietals that can be included in Riojo reds and considered by some to be the highest quality of varietals. Granted this is only hearsay. Until recently.
While in Bordeaux of all places, I stumbled upon a 13 Euro example of 100% Graciano which got me quite excited in more than one way (use your imagination). I almost immediately returned back to my rented flat to see if this mythical beast was the real deal. And…
Such a disappointing wine experience. It lacked complexity to make it worthwhile but was well structured and seemingly had potential if maybe the quality of the grape had been better. In Graciano’s defense, the amazing examples, which “never make it out of Spain”, are quoted at much higher price points, so the possibility of these perception-altering versions could be very real. Now, I just have to find one.
Social’s New Website with Blog (obviously!)
With the launch of our new action-packed website, we have also added a blog- so innovative! We will keep you posted on all the happenings of Social and there will muchos random musings on wine. Stay tuned.
