In the fashion of experimenting with new grape varietals instead of the usual run-of-the-mill Cabernet Sauvignons, Merlots and Pinot Noirs, I tried a nice Carmenere from the family-owned Carta Vieja vineyard located in the Maule Valley, Chile today.
The Carmenere grape is a rising star in the New World wine producing regions of Chile where the country has recently leapt into the 10th spot of top wine-producing countries in the world. 3 years ago when Chilean wines began making their appearance in Singapore, there were reports of a high incidence of bad bottles in every crate or two. So at the time I stuck with the other rising star, South Africa.
Anyway I was not dissapointed with this foray into South American territory, with the deep berry-flavored, chocolate-tasting, high-alcoholic Carmenere ferment providing good accompaniment to a basket of BBQ chips. Previously confused with Merlot, the Carmenere variety is now DNA-proved to come from cuttings of Grand Vidure vines in Bordeaux, France.
Straight from the bottle, the fresh tannins stung my tastebuds. But after letting the bugger breathe for a good 15 minutes, I was rewarded with a smooth, slightly fruity gargle followed by a warm, oaked finish that did not leave an overly sourish after-taste on the palette.
Not a light wine though, I would say medium to heavy bodied. Much better with a generous chunk of grilled Wagyu than the cheapo deep-fried potatoes we were having for sure.
Labels: Wine