Carmenère
Carmenere is a particularly big deal in Chile, where producers often blend it with a touch of Syrah and Petit Verdot. The boldest styles of this wine generally originate from the Cachapoal and Colchagua Valleys, and although it is a variety often used for bulk production, in these sub-regions prices substantially climb.
What am I getting?
Carmenere is particularly well known for its bell pepper aromas, as well as its red fruit. Due to high levels of aroma compounds called pyrazines you’ll be hit with wonderful wafts of green peppercorn, eucalyptus, and even cocoa. When blended with other grape varietals, like Syrah, the red fruit characteristic of this wine tends to move more in the direction of black fruit, often displaying blackberry and black plum aromas.
What can I drink it with?
Smokey and meaty – any foods that fit those labels will be a dream with Carmenere. Bacon, beef and veal would all compliment the wine really well as it packs enough flavour to be able to stand up to these strong meats. In terms of veg, asparagus, grilled peppers and dark leafy greens such as kale will do the job nicely.
I want it!
Some morsels to tickle your fancy…
Let’s not go crazy…
Errazuriz Estate Series Carmenère 2016 Aconcagua Valley (medium, Chile) £9.99 per bottle
All out!
Casa Lapostolle Clos Apalta 2015 (full, Argentina) £105 per bottle
What am I getting?
Carmenere is particularly well known for its bell pepper aromas, as well as its red fruit. Due to high levels of aroma compounds called pyrazines you’ll be hit with wonderful wafts of green peppercorn, eucalyptus, and even cocoa. When blended with other grape varietals, like Syrah, the red fruit characteristic of this wine tends to move more in the direction of black fruit, often displaying blackberry and black plum aromas.
What can I drink it with?
Smokey and meaty – any foods that fit those labels will be a dream with Carmenere. Bacon, beef and veal would all compliment the wine really well as it packs enough flavour to be able to stand up to these strong meats. In terms of veg, asparagus, grilled peppers and dark leafy greens such as kale will do the job nicely.
I want it!
Some morsels to tickle your fancy…
Let’s not go crazy…
Errazuriz Estate Series Carmenère 2016 Aconcagua Valley (medium, Chile) £9.99 per bottle
All out!
Casa Lapostolle Clos Apalta 2015 (full, Argentina) £105 per bottle
