While Malbec may be Argentina’s signature wine Carménère may be Chile’s although why peg a country having a signature wine? It just might create stereotypes. Look at New Zealand’s “signature wine” Sauvignon Blanc. Yet should it eclipse Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Merlot from New Zealand?
What I can say so far this year is that Chile does very well with Carménère. I may have experienced a rare clunker so Chile isn’t perfect and neither can any country be perfect when it comes to producing a particular variety of wine. Here we try an Apaltagua 2017 Carménère from the Colchagua Valley.
Aroma: As is often the case with many Chilean Carménère a strong raspberry presence. Secondary notes of strawberry and black cherry.
Palate: Ripe strawberries, cola and cactus pear. Full bodied with moderate tannins. Long finish with a bit of lingering pepper.
Food Match: I will put my hand up and go Greek with this so a Oktapodi Krasato which is octopus slow cooked in both Samian muscat wine and dry red wine served over polenta. The recipe is here https://www.greekboston.com/food/octopus-braised-wine-recipe/.
Personality: I am quite a serious wine so don’t let that raspberry on the nose trick you into thinking I am somehow related to Pinot Noir! I am approachable now and make a great sipping wine but I really partner well with rich saucy foods like the octopus dish described above. Given my price I kick butt! Chile is kicking butt price and quality wise.
Cellarbility: A couple more years in the bottle will soften the wine somewhat if that’s what you like.
Price: $16.75 (Ontario).
RKS 2023 Wine Rating: 90/100. James Suckling 92.
(Apaltagua Gran Reserva Envero 2017 Carménère, Colchagua Valley, Viña Apaltagua, Curico, Chile, 750 mL, 14%, Liquor Control Board of Ontario # 481010).
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