Good Morning Gentle Readers,
The Calcu is a smooth red blend of of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Carmenère, 15% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Petit Verdot.
TWC is fond of Carmenère (also called Grand Carmenèt), which was once *THE* premier grape of Bordeaux. Unfortunately it was obliterated in Europe over a century ago by the scourge of phylloxera and assumed to be extinct. In truth, a few Carmenère vines migrated to Chile from France a century and a half ago, but were thought to be simply a Chilean adaptation of Merlot until genetic fingerprinting revealed the true nature of the Lost Grape of Bordeaux about fifteen years ago.
Carmenère is perfectly adapted to the inland valleys of Central Chile, which enjoy warm, dry, sunny days and huge nightly temperature swings that slow the ripening of the fruit. Longer hang time means more vibrant and flavorful fruit.
The wine is styled in the way of a Bordeaux red with a little minerality (is that even a word?) and subdued fruit. There is a whiff of black cherry and notes of red currant. The finish is as smooth with mild tannins.
You'll find the Calcu priced nicely at around ten dollars U.S. Inexpensive enough to enjoy on a week night. Tasty enough to impress your dinner guests. Serve it with roast beef or pasta with red sauce and Italian sausage.
Winemaker's Notes:
Winemakers Ricardo Rivadeneira and Alejandro Jofre artfully blend the mineral notes and fresh acidity of grapes from the Andes foothills with the ripe tannins and red fruit from the center of the valley, and add richness and body from grapes grown closer to the Pacific Ocean. This vintage has a round and structured mouth with soft, sweet and elegant tannins. The wine is fresh and balanced, with great volume from the Petit Verdot.
As Ever,
TWC
Photo Credit (unless otherwise noted): ©TWC, all rights reserved
