2018 Carmenere San Pedro Vineyards

We have a case of mistaken identity with a Chilean Carmenere grape. Back in the 1860’s, the Correa brothers started a vineyard in Chile’s Cachapoal Valley. The brothers were intent on introducing different varietals from Europe for wine production. They bought, what the thought, were Merlot cuttings.

They actually got the Carmenere grape, instead. The varietal did well in France until the flux killed it; there are only a few French vineyards that presently grow it. There are U.S. vineyards planting the grape in California, Washington and North Carolina. Its history is traced back to ancient Rome times, where it was highly praised.

As late as 1994, Chile vineyards sold it their Merlot. Now, they’ve got the preferred name on the right varietal.

Taste=3: I’ve learned a smidge about this Chilean wine. The first introduction occurred when ordering from Seven Hills Winery, Wall Walla, WA. Here was my first impression: “On first taste, I quickly found crushed peppercorn. “Hummm”, I thought. So, I chewed through the next taste, which gave some red cherry along with dark chocolate.” That was about the Walla Walla vineyard production.

This Chilean Carmenere is quite different in so many respects. The nose is a fruity cherry. Tasting has several rich layers of a dark cherry, licorice, spice with a smooth vanilla finish. For less money than the younger Columbia Valley wine, this performed in a hearty, complex fashion.

Looks=3: First pour came as a deep crimson red. There were strong legs because its alcohol content is 14.5%. Its genuine cork was a good thing, because it could be cellared at length. That 1865 number has historic meaning in the U.S.A. Because General Grant’s Army to Petersburg, VA. From April on, the Confederate Army lost its supply root and then Richmond, VA. surrendered.

But in the Chilean wine industry, 1865 was a starting point in its wine industry.

Cost=1: This bottle of red wine was offered for less than $20 at a big box store.

It’s a good buy for a unique red wine.