Carménère found new life in Chile, where as of 2004 nearly 15,000 acres are covered in vines. Originally from the Médoc region in Bodeaux, and widely planted in Graves until the vines were struck with oidium. It was used to produce deep, red wines and occasionally used for blending. Today, finding Carménère vines in France is nearly impossible. Many of the vines were wiped out by the phylloxera plague in the late 1800s, and thought to be extinct for some time. When the vines were replanted in France, they were difficult to find and more difficult to grow compared to other common varieties.

 

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Every Friday, our local wine store hosts “Friday at Five.” It’s their version of happy hour. They provide several wines by the glass for $5 and a special $10 premium pour. Jonathan and I had never been to a Friday at Five, we usually go to the tastings on Saturday. However, this week’s e-mail stated they would have an ultra premium pour. Wine Spectator’s 2008 wine of the year, Casa Lapostolle Clos Apalta 2005, by the glass for $15. I was sold – I had to taste!

 

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Winery:  Veramonte

Wine: Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2006

Location: Colchagua Valley, Chile

Purchased: wine.com

Price: $9.99

 

Veramonte Estate began with less than 100 acres of grapevines in the Casablanca Valley of Chile in 1990. Coastal mountain ranges surround the estate creating a diverse microclimate. The valley’s cool floor is similar to Carneros in California, while the foothills are warmer, similar to Napa Valley. Today, Veramonte is one of the largest contiguous vineyards in Chile. It features over 1,100 planted acres of grapes. The vineyard is surrounded by 12,000 acres of natural, unplanted greenbelt that is habitat to native plants and animals, and a natural lagoon, which is home to more than two dozen species of migrating birds. The winery sits just 20 miles from the Pacific coast.

 

The winery utilizes the latest viticultural technology, including vertical trellising and dense vine spacing to balance growth and fruit production. Although, Veramonte’s vineyard produces lower yields than other grape growing regions in Chile, the grapes are more intense and concentrated.

 

The Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva is a blend, featuring 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot. It aged for eight months in French and American oak. The Colchagua Valley experienced perfect growing conditions this season with excellent ripening in March and April. The grapes saw extended hang time on the vines. This resulted in ripe flavors and soft tannins. The Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva is a phenomenal wine, especially for the price.

 

Veramont’s Cabernet Sauvignon offers deep, ruby red colors in the glass. The fruit smells are noticeable the minute the wine emerges from the bottle. Strong aromas of blackberry, cherry and raspberry tickle the nose. However, a sip of this wine presents the drinker with notes of spice, cinnamon and mocha. The wine is exquisitely smooth and balanced. It’s  plush, velvety and creamy. The finish is long and bold. The intricacies of this wine are surprising, but delightful. Jonathan and I both enjoyed this wine and will make it a regular purchase.