2019 Carmen Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon ($14.99)
Viña Carmen was founded by Christian Lanz in 1850 and named in honor of his wife. The winery, located in Chile, now has more than 160 years of history having been the first and now oldest winery. In 1987, Viña Carmen became part of Grupo Claro. In 1994, the wine grape Carmenere was re-discovered in one of the Carmen vineyards in the Alto Maipo Valley. The Carmenere grape was long thought to be extinct after having been infected with phylloxera in the mid-19th century. But, this find returned Carmenere to the world.
Carmen wines come from Maipo Valley, Apalta Valley, Leyda Valley, Casablanca Valley and the Colchagua Valley.
This Cabernet Sauvignon is from a single vineyard in Alto Maipo Valley containing 20 year-old vines. It was produced from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon that underwent a cold soak for 10 days before fermentation to draw out color and aromatics. Fermentation occurred in stainless steel tanks, to retain the fruit flavors, for 14 to 22 days. The wine underwent malolactic conversion, to soften the sharp acids, before being aged for 12 month (making it a “Gran Reserva”) in French oak barrels.
Carmen Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon is deep purple in color with aromas of red fruit, plum and black currant. On the palate, this full-bodied wine has bold flavors of dark fruit, good acidity, big “dusty” tannins (i.e., fine, dry, and powdery) and finishes with a bit of tartness.
This 2019 Carmen Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon is a really nice wine from the Maipo Valley in Chile. And, it is very affordable. That’s a fit as this week’s Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week. Cheers!
The opinions expressed are entirely my own.