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.
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