Wines from Chile are making an ever increasing impact with US wine lovers and one of the big reasons is Carménère. This red grape is grown in other areas of the world but it’s best known for the wines produced with it in Chile. Today I’ll look at the current vintage from well known producer Concha Y Toro.
The Concha Y Toro 2009 Marques de Casa Concha Carménère was produced using fruit sourced in the Peomo Vineyard which is located in the Rapel Valley of Chile. This offering is 100% Carménère. The fruit for this selection was harvested by hand. After fermentation this wine was aged over a period of 18 months in French oak barrels. This Carménère has a suggested retail price of $19.99.
Blackberry, eucalyptus and tobacco leaf aromas fill the nose of this 2009 Carménère. Crushed red cherry and plum flavors are joined by copious spice elements throughout the fresh and layered palate of this wine. Wisps of dark cocoa emerge on the finish along with dark fruit flavors that continue echoing with conviction along with hints of vanilla bean. This wine has firm acidity and it’s a natural partner for food.
Carménère is a full flavored grape that produces wines that are often intensely flavored with dark fruit. This example from Concha Y Toro is such a wine. For $19.99 (a bit less if you shop around) this is a fine example of the varietal that provides solid value and plenty of drinking pleasure. Consume this wine over the next couple of years while it’s flavors are young, vibrant, and exuberant.