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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Winery: Casa Lapostolle
Wine: Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
Location: Rapel Valley, Chile
Purchased: The Corkscrew
Price: $13.99

Several weeks ago, our local wine store tasted the 2008 wine of the year, Casa Lapostolle’s Clos Apalta Colchagua Valley 2005. Before tasting “the wine,” I sampled Casa Lapostolle Estate Cabernet Sauvignon so I could compare. While it was good, it didn’t compare to “the wine.” However, I mentioned it to Jonathan, and he was set on tasting it since he missed tasting Casa Lapostolle’s Clos Apalta Colchagua Valley 2005.

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