by Andrew Chalk
Carménère, the closest thing to a National Grape in Chile, is spreading. This example (75% Carménère, 25% Merlot) comes from the largest grape-growing region in Italy, Veneto. There, it forgoes the prestige of a DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) classification, or even a DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) to be labelled a lowly IGT (Indicazione Geografica Tipica). Don’t let that concern you. It just means that it is outside the mainline of Italian wine production.
And that is exactly how a 75% Carménère, 25% Merlot should be in northeast Italy, reflecting the entrepreneurship and fealty to the avant-garde of its producer. This is a fruit-forward, readily enjoyable and non-questioning wine. The color is an almost opaque ruby. The nose, dominated by blackcurrant, also hints of pyrazines, black pepper, tomato leaf, and thyme. In the mouth the blackcurrants (almost a Bordeaux flavor component) fill the mouth. It is medium acid, medium tannin, and not too complex. A medium, blackcurrant finish is the final part of the experience.
Sample