Bold, earthy, and oh-so-satisfying.

Carmenère is like the rebellious cousin at the family gathering who shows up fashionably late but turns out to be the life of the party. Originally a French grape that was nearly wiped out by phylloxera, it found a new home and a beautiful redemption arc in Chile. Here, it thrives in a climate that suits its fiery personality, transforming into a lush red wine that knows exactly what it wants to be.

It’s like the love child of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, but with a bit more edge. Draw a glass and you’re greeted with a deep, dark red - almost purplish, like the kind of wine that whispers sweet nothings to your palate before it goes in for the bold kiss. Think of rich black cherries, plums, and just enough herbaceousness to keep things interesting. But wait, there’s more - who knew a wine could smell like a hike through a forest after rain? There’s an earthiness to Carmenère, a rustic hint of green pepper or even that comforting aroma of freshly turned soil. You can almost feel the Chilean soil in your glass.

Now, don’t think for a second that this red’s going to shy away from the heavy hitters. It comes with weight and presence. There’s a smoothness to the tannins, wraparound softness that’ll keep you coming back for more. Not overly tannic, like some overbearing Cabernet Sauvignon wannabe; this beauty knows how to balance rich fruit with a nice spiciness - or as I like to call it, a playful kick in the ass.

Pair it up with grilled meats, spicy stews, or even a good old pizza fresh out of the oven. Seriously, if you’ve got a bottle of Carmenère and a Margherita pie, you’re living the dream. And if you’re feeling fancy, don’t hesitate to throw in some chocolate desserts either, because it’s a red that’s versatile enough to deal with the decadent side of life.

Sure, you might run into some overpriced bottles out there, but seek out solid options. It’s like finding a hidden gem that you want to shout from the rooftops. Just remember, while Carmenère might not always steal the spotlight compared to its more famous cousins, it’s got the depth, the uniqueness, and the attitude to make it unforgettable.

So raise your glass, revel in the earthy comfort, and let Carmenère take you on a wine adventure that’s cheeky and soulful. It’s the underdog we didn’t know we needed - bold, earthy, and downright satisfying.

« GO HOME