by Andrew Chalk
The carménère grape is having something of a comeback. Dropped from Team Bordeaux in the 19th century for post-phylloxera replanting for its low-yielding properties it found a new home in Chile by wont of a mistake of identity (they thought it was merlot). To its credit, it did produce some good wines in sufficiently warm mesoclimates. Now climate change makes it a starter once more in some of its old haunts. This example, by leading Chilean producer Concha y Toro is a good example.
Appearance: Dark ruby, blueberry color. Totally opaque hue.
Nose: Potent blackberry (Ribena to the cognoscenti).
Palate: The blackberry explodes in the mouth. Chewy tannins, weighty body, rather one dimensional. Fruit-led finish.
Note, no green pepper notes as this fruit got totally ripe.
Sample.
Comments