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EP 822 Chilean Carmenere Tasting

Gary introduces a grape that’s made a splash in Chile and brings some great value to the table.

Wines tasted in this episode:

Vina Chocalan Carmenere 2008Chile Carmenere
2008 Tamaya CarmenereChile Carmenere
2006 Vina San Pedro 1865 CarmenereChile Carmenere


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AndersN

Wrong video for this caption….its 821 showing Mott 🙂

Tags: Carmenere, Chilean, red, review, wine, wines

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  • chateauplonk

    Hmmm….. This episode is making me think I should give Carmenere another shot. I've had a handful of them (maybe 5) and they were all way too green bell peppery for me. And I love Chinon. Maybe south American wine makers are figuring out how and where to grow the grape so it becomes amply ripe. It's interesting how south America has taken Bordeauxs cast off grapes malbec and carmenere and made them their own.

  • winorob

    I like carmenere quite a bit; have had 4 or 5, and really do feel that if people would give them a shot they would find, especially for the money, that they are solid wines.

  • Chocolan? Sounds familiar and if I remember it was one of your top wines last year so am guessing a different producer? That being said, I've had maybe a half dozen Carmeneres but have had good luck with them more than not.

    QOTD: New Year's Eve in 2001 at the Middleton B&B down the street from The Little Inn at Washington and for the evening wine/cheese tasting at the inn we had a Carmenere for the red and a VA Horton Viognier for the white. And then we traipsed up the street to the one of the greatest meals I have ever experienced. Thirteen courses of true culinary delight.

    Cheers!

    P.S. I received your gourmetlibrary stash of cheeses today which included the one you had on your show the other night and it was AMAZING! Good stuff.

  • lordsauvignon

    So did you just throw on that shirt? haha
    QOTD: I have had zero to date…so yeah…

  • plcb

    I am a big fan of carmenere. I can't watch right now, my kids are practicing their instruments.

  • Let’s hope you’re a carnivore. Carmenere pairs really well with meats across the board. We’ve tried with steak (just seasoned with salt, black pepper, and grilled to medium-rare), pork loin, & pasta with meat sauce. The results were outstanding. Cheers!

  • amgryger

    qotd: I've had a few. Overall I'm just not that interested in it.

  • Chris the Cop

    When is the Chris The Cop episode being aired????? I heard its hot!!!

  • FullOnNelson

    I have not had a Carmenere yet, though there is one in the wine fridge just waiting to get out. What should I drink it with?

  • NY Pete

    8 and 1/2 minutes … you call that a show.

  • NY Pete

    did u sleep in that T shirt?

  • NY Pete

    time to change the chalkboard too.

  • SourGrapesFC

    Nice show, Gary. I really like carmenere, so it was nice to see it highlighted. That chocolate/chili pepper combo is one of my favorite flavors in or out of wine, so this varietal has my number.

    QOTD: I've had six or seven (all somewhere in the neighborhood of 10 bucks), and I've liked pretty much all of them.

  • SourGrapesFC

    yesterday's show had a cat on it. now he had a dinosaur playing drums.

  • Kayla28

    I have never had carmenere or even hear of it till now, but I will be looking for some to try. This is why I love watching ur show.

  • Don Simpson

    Another solid value play episode. I am digging South America and the QPR coming out of Chile and Argentina!

    QOTD: Only about 3-4. Ironically enough, I had a very deep self reflective moment regarding my career and future aspirations over a glass of Carmenere a few years back. Because of that, it will always be a special varietal for me.

  • scottEJ

    Thanks, G. I normally like the chocolate and dark fruit tones that carmenere brings. Sadly, there's just not alot of them out there.

    QOTD: Santa Rita Reserva is my usual go to carmenere and guess what…it's chocolatey and dark fruits all day.

  • Chris B

    I manage a retail liquor store and over the past year we've started carrying several Carmeneres. Our customers are really liking them. My favorite is probably the Apaltagua Envero. Natura also makes a nice one made from 100% organic fruit that is cheap and tasty. Tons of great values coming out of Chile.

  • Bromidedrag

    I think they're podcasted, so you should be able to download them. If not go to the site and click on the Quicktime version… that should work.

  • QOTD: One to date, very merlot like, great mid palate not much finish.
    Shout out to girl hockey, USA- SILVER!

  • petec

    First had Carmenere while in Chile a year ago. Love it. Try the Errazuriz single vineyard.

  • KVM1985

    I've only had one before, I believe it was Spanish, and I did not like that particular one. But of course, I'll have to try more!

  • i've had the montgras carmenere and i liked it…good red wine at a decent price, can't beat it

  • I'd read as much in your book but I just realized WHY I watch wine library TV. It's not for the wine but for the 100% unfiltered garyvee you bring to each ep.

    I don't even like wine. (I do a bit)

  • cowz

    QOTD: I have never tried carmenere before maybe ill go and pick some up and give it a whirl

  • know_4ever

    To tell you the truth Gary, We haven't tried a single Carmenere. The real reason I'm finally leaving a comment is because all of your T-shirts are sold out!! Not cool man!! Your show is beyond addicting and we desperately want to spread the word but you gotta keep that “Shwag” stockpiled! Peace man and keep up the good work!

    P.S. When the “Shwag” is in full run again-please give us all a heads-up!!

  • I've actually had one and…it was the Tamaya that you had. It didn't blow me away, but I really enjoyed it and was glad I tried it. I definitely need to try a few more to compare.

  • winemonologues

    Love me the Carmenere! Yes, have had probably 5-6 since you intro'd it many episodes ago. Love the chocolate, tobacco, bbq smells and tastes found in a lot of them.

  • SF BAY SWIMMER

    QOTD: I just picked up a Panilonco 2009 Carmenere from Trader Joe's for $3.99 in the crew favorites bin. I've liked other Carmeneres though the names are lost on me.

  • cygilbert

    Gary, I LOVE your shirt, dude!

  • boomy13

    Nice clean show! I am been really busy with School lately, but needed to get my WLTV fix. Two nice showings, and one meh showing in under nine minutes, Nice. 😉

    Last time I had a Carmenere was two years ago or so. Was not a fan to be honest, however my preferences and style as changed some since. I like the price and bought two different bottles. Tried them both side by side, and wasnt crazy about what was inside. Very Green with minimal fruit, from what I recall. However, for $9 I will not hesitate to experiment a third time.

  • Pat__B

    Umm…Carmenere, maybe once. More importantly, who has been to a Chilean vineyard? Any recommendations?

  • K is for Kate

    Wow, this is the second episode in a row with a wine I've purchased but not yet tasted starting things off. I have never had a Carmenere, but bought the Vina Chocalan last week (for 2 bucks more than WL is charging) and intend to try it soon.

  • ONUMello

    Interesting notes on the first one, I actually did make some jalapeno brownies once that were pretty good.
    QOTD: One for sure, maybe two. It's been over a year tho, will need to try another soon.

  • Nicole Smit

    damn!! you're a grumpy person!!! whats up?? need to talk about it?

  • Lisa S

    I've had the Montgras Carmenere and it was not bad.. a little too dry and tannic for me, but I might try a Carmenere again…

  • NY Pete

    it's called busting the elf's stones

  • hokiewino

    I have to admit that I've never had a carmenere before but I just bought a bottle and I have to say I kind of dug it. Kind of tannic but after I let it open up for a few it got much better. Great show!

  • hypersomnia

    QOTD: Never had one before, I'm always interested in trying a new grape varietal though.

  • mdion99

    I've had two, loved it so much i bought a case. Primus- Very velvety and spicy.

  • AntonT

    I have yet to have a Carmenere, I do look forward to expanding my selection. As a newbie in wine there is one thing I would appreciate Gary, if you could spend just a little more time giving some more information about the grapes and regions. I am sure a lot of the geeks like me who love to know everything about everything would appreciate that. Thanks a lot and I do look forward to going back through previous episodes!

  • ericjo

    I bought my first Carmenere at a BevMo 5 cent sale and love it. I've rarely been disappointed in Carmenere and they are one of my favorite value plays.

  • Lyman

    I have tried the Vina Chocalan Carmenere 2008 and the Reserva Castillo de Molina 2006 Carmenere and a few other Bordeaux type blends with Carmenere. You are correct in the greeness of the Chocalan but I didn't think in a good way, and I am a big fan of Chinon and Bourgueil. I thought the Molina brought better balance and a better representation of what you hear about Chilean Carmenere tasting like really good Merlot. And at essentially the same price point. I drank these both about the same time last year when I was first heard the buzz about Carmenere might do for Chile what Malbec did for Argentina. Given the 2 year difference in vintages may account for the difference in what I found in the 2 wines but it was very distinct. But when you're short on change and you're looking for a good red wine value Chilean Carmenere is a good bet, so be adventurous.

  • hollisdevillo

    no carmenere. sorry gary. i'm a failure. how's that shipping to canadee coming along?

  • jtp375

    GV- Actually had one near the end of last year. Was my first go with that varietal, and it was surprisingly good, especially the QPR. It was the Santa Rita Real.

  • Hey Gary

    Snappy show.

    QOTD: Had it, like it. I actually think I had a bottle from an Aussie producer once… Trying to think, but I've got a feeling it was from a winery in a rather abstract region, maybe Hilltops.

    Cheers
    Andrew

  • Beeper

    QOTD: big goose egg on the carmenere

  • I have not found a Carmenere that brings the thunder. I will seek some out this weekend and report back on Monday.

  • Nice job GV. 3 wines in under 9 minutes…very impressive.

    QOTD: Carmenere, although we've had a ton of them is one of the few wines we've never had a 'great one' of. A lot of the bottles we've tasted have good spice and fruit, but there always seems to be something a bit awkward going on. The best example would be from a tasting we attended this Monday, where we were poured a Morande Pionero Carmenere where our tasting notes read, “not great.” Here's to staying optimistic though…Cheers!

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