Chilean wine growers and happy sippers worldwide are rejoicing for this mouthfilling, bold grape sporting dark berry overtones and soft vibrant tannins. Plummy, rich, and spicy, the Carmenère grape has been rediscovered!Following the epic phylloxera epidemic in Europe during the 1860s, when most vineyards were destroyed, grape growers replanted crops hoping to regain their livelihood. Unlike the five other “Noble” Bordeaux wine grapes (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec) that thrived when reintroduce to European soil, Carmenère became difficult to grow. Consequently, it slowly faded from of European viticulture. The grape was brought to Chile in hopes that it would find root in the Chilean fertile soil. Some years later, Carmenère lost its identity when it haphazardly got mixed with Merlot grapes. But in the early 1990s when growers realized these “odd grapes were taking longer to ripen then typical Merlot grapes,” DNA testing by scientists revealed that “Oops! It’s not Merlot! It’s Carmenère.” Since that fateful revelation, Carmenère has been planted on its own, picked, and crafted as a stand-alone varietal – and blended with other grapes such as Cabernet Franc, Merlot, amongst others. Oops Wines offers four ab-fab Carmenère-based styles– and at a nice price! Let’s go!Stef’s Cribsheet – Oops! Carmenère (& blends) Wine from Chile1. Oops Carmenère Valle Central Chile 2005 – $11This ruby-purple 100% Carmenère sports blackberries and leather on the nose. Its ripe black currant, red plum medium body exudes herbal flavors, subtle tannins, and a generous soft finish. This purebred is a terrific sipper on its own or paired with ketchupy burgers, roasted chicken, and grilled Portobello’s.2. Oops Carmenère /Cabernet Franc, Valle Central, Chile 2005 $11A Cherry Coke softness from the Cab Franc fills the senses, while baskets of bold juicy raspberries, black cherry and cinnamon mocha swirls satisfies the tastebuds. It pairs great with beef, burritos, roasted bird, root veggies, and flavorful aged cheese. 3. Oops Carmenère /Merlot, Valle Central, Chile 2005 - $11Blackberry aromas pop with each swirl and sniff, leading to a soft anise-laced blueberry body. Bits of cedar, leather, and mint linger on the refreshing silky, long finish. It’s a fun party pleaser and dining partner with mild chili, skirt steak, lamb burgers, chicken meatballs, and your favorite pizza. 4. Oops White Carmenère, Valle Central, Chile 2005 - $11Great for summer picnics, this 100% Carmenère blushing white made from the red grape, surprises with passion fruit aromas and a semi-sweet citrusy body. Ripe apricot and apple cider linger on the gentle finish. Stefani Jackenthal, Director of NTS Wine Tasting, LLC. (specializing in private, corporate, and monthly wine tastings & dinners). www.StefJack.com/wine or NTSWineTasting@stefjack.com.
