2014 Ventisquero Grey [Glacier] Single Block Carménère ($20)

Carménère was first introduced into Chile in the mid-1800s. At that point, it was thought to be Merlot. That is until 1994 when testing showed it was actually Carménère.

While wines from Chile labeled as Carménère can contain up to 15% other grape varieties, this one from the Maipo Valley, is 100% Carménère. It comes from La Trinidad vineyard and is produced as a single block wine.

This wine has intense black fruit flavors of black cherry and blackberries, peppery notes and firm tannin.

The winemaker notes state “We age our Grey Carménere for a minimum of 18 months and another 8 months in bottle, or longer…Carménere needs some oak to tame it, but the variety’s beauty is its fruit, so you can’t go overboard on the oak.”

Give this one some serious time in the decanter and serve with big, flavorful meats such as game meat or marinated beef.

Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this wine at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Sample Provided by Donna White of Donna White Communications