Rating: NNN
WHAT: Montes Alpha Carmenere (red)
WHERE: Colchagua Valley, Chile
WHY: While Argentina has successfully hitched its wine wagon to the Malbec grape, Chile has adopted Carmenere as its poster variety. Here, the grape’s demanding vegetal characteristics are expertly exploited, yielding a ripe, attractive amalgam of olives, tobacco leaf and blueberry. For another successful example of Chilean Carmenere, try the Casa Silva at $17.95.
PRICE: 750 ml/$19.95
AVAILABILITY: At most Vintages outlets as of Saturday (January 22) (product #143230)
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