email this pageNext time you’ve gathered your favorite wine-loving friends, try this tasty little experiment: Pour a Carmenère from Chile and ask everyone to guess what wine they’re drinking. Carmenère’s lush, ripe fruit and soft, approachable texture hints at Merlot, while the wine’s full body and firm structure suggests Cabernet Sauvignon. And thanks to the deep, dark color and irresistible spicy notes, Syrah may also come to mind. The wine’s great balance of lusty fruit and food-friendly earthiness makes it perfect for a succulent slab of meat hot off the coals—but keep it simple to allow this wine to truly shine.
- Santa Rita 2006 Reserva Carmenère (Rapel Valley; $14): Fascinating Earl Grey tea-like notes flatter the currants and blackberries in this lush and spicy, wine-geek-worthy pick.
- Oops 2005 Carmenère (Valle Central; $12): Find a little mocha action amidst dark-fruit flavors. The brighter, lighter style will make it a winning pick as the temperature climbs.
- Arboleda 2006 Carmenère (Casablanca Valley; $20): Blackberries and spice flourish in this powerful, finesse-filled sip. A striking gift—for Father’s Day, perhaps?
- Concha y Toro 2006 Casillero del Diablo Carmenère (Rapel Valley; $10): Notes of coffee, currant and cola hobnob with a hint of herbs for a terrific any-day wine.
- Santa Rita “120” 2005 Carmenère (Rapel Valley; $9): The deep-purple color hints at the plush, ripe fruitiness that comes with a bonus of toasty spice.
- MontGras 2006 Reserva Carmenère (Colchagua Valley; $12): Every accent—currants, plum, bay leaf—meshes subtly and harmoniously in this balanced and elegant choice.
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