Welcome to the second in our Wine 301 series, where we’re going to dig into some of the more unusual varietals you might see on the store shelf.  Following Furmint is Carménère.

Carménère

Once thought to be lost forever, Carménère originally thrived in Bordeaux.  Following Phylloxera’s outbreak in France, it was nearly totally wiped out, and was considered extinct.  The story might have ended there, if not for the fact that Carménère happens to look a lot like Merlot.  As growers in Chile began inspecting their vines, it was discovered that Carménère was not in fact gone, but merely mixed in with vines on the other side of the planet.

Carménère was not really considered great by those in Bordeaux, as it has a tendency to ripen extremely late.  While in Bordeaux it rarely became ripe in time, Chile gave it a real chance to make a place in the world thanks to the long growing season.  Carménère is low in acidity and tannins, and ends up having a rather plush texture.  Top examples are crimson colored, and red fruit, boast mocha, green tobacco, and spice

Quick Facts on Carménère

Color:  Red
Style: Dry
Body:  Moderate
General Characteristics:  Mocha, Red Fruit, Green Tobacco, Spice
Notable Regions:  Chile

Root: 1 Carménère 2013

I like Carménère, perhaps more for the story than the flavor.  That said though, it makes some delicious and unique wines, especially for people that like Merlot.  Root: 1 Carménère is a fairly prominent choice.  Can it help convert more followers?

Sight:  Bright, brickish red edges with a more amethyst core.

Smell:  Incredibly herbal and green pepper forward, with hints of roasted meat.  Black pepper, mushrooms, raspberry, and plum round things out.

Sip: The body is moderate, with plenty of brightness.  The predominant flavor here is again the herbal notes, layering in green pepper, mushroom, and touches of roasted meat.  Cranberries and dried cherries get into the act with a little bit of plum skin.

Savor:  The ending again pulls those same notes of herbs and green pepper, this time with a bit of black pepper and plum skin.

Root: 1 Carménère tastes like Veal & Peppers in a bottle to me.  That said, the flavor is pretty incredible, and I’m pretty sure this could confuse some Italian people in New York.  If you want fruit forward, this isn’t your wine, and isn’t even close really to being anything other than a pepper bomb.  All things consider, I find it rather difficult to contemplate recommending Root: 1 Carménère to anyone as anything other than a novelty.

Other Carménère have fared better, and are worth a try.

Verdict:  Green Pepper, Mushroom, Roasted Meat, Herbal
Rating: 56
Price: $6
Colchagua Valley, Chile

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