LCBO Sale Pick of the Week: Oct. 15

Root: 1 2013 Carmenère (Colchagua Valley, Chile)

Sale $11.95, Regular $12.95
Discount (until Nov. 8): $1.00
LCBO # 350546 | 750 mL bottle

Tastes like: Merlot-like plushness in a meaty, spicy, fruity package.
Pairs with: Grilled ribeye, steak stir fry, charcuterie, spicy burrito.
Good for: Surprising Merlot lovers.
Alcohol: 13.5%
Drink: Now.

Why we're drinking this
Carmenère is just the kind of soft and juicy wine you want to wear like a warm blanket as the weather turns. Once upon a time in Chile, they thought this was Merlot. The leaves look similar, but Carmenère ripens later than Merlot. And though they both share a supple texture, Carmenère packs a heck of a lot more savoury-charcuterie flavours. It’s a meat-lovers wine. If you like meat in your wine. And you should.

Tasting note
A very pretty nose of plum, blackberry and sweet spice (cinnamon), with a touch of damp earth, pine, salami and soy. Quite the contrast of elements, but it all works together in harmony. There’s a nice eucalyptus high note too. These are classic Carmenère notes, and this wine is a beautiful expression of this rather obscure grape. The wine is full bodied, with soft tannins and low acid. It sips wonderfully but would love a ribeye with horseradish or a steak stirfry to get at those soy notes. Either way, this wine won’t disappoint.

Find it at your LCBO
Check availability on the LCBO website!

Sign Up for LCBO Sale Pick of the Week.
A FREE Service from kwäf!

This week's selection by kwäf Taste Bud Dick Snyder