WTN: A decent Carmenere

I was searching for a wine to go with dinner, something medium bodied that would match up with scalloped potatoes with layers of smoked pork loin. I pulled an unusual wine because I wanted to try it.

Deep garnet red color with a nose of spicy black cherries with an earthy note. A fruity midpalate (especially boysenberries) with smooth tannins and juicy balancing acidity. A medium to long finish black fruit and spicy notes. A very nice match with the main dish that brought out the peppery spiciness of this wine. My real delight with this wine was the spicy interaction between food and wine. This spiciness was not obvious in the wine alone. I love it when the wine interacts with the food to create new flavors. Plus this was a what the heck, I'll try it pairing that really worked.

Wine: 2005 Carmenere, Central Valley, Chile, Echeverria, 14% abv.

Nice note Tom. We have been discussing Carmenere to feature on the Grill`s list. Yours sounds like one to look out for, cheers.

Thanks Bob,

I bought this wine after a tasting last year. I really liked it. I had been looking for a chance to try it. I had it again today for lunch with a beef vegetable soup and it was good match with this meal and it was still drinking well. The spiciness of this wine is what really impressed me as few wines light up with spiciness when I have had them with food.