April Imported Wine: 2010 Apaltagua ‘ENVERO’ Carménère, Colchagua Valley, CHILE
Apalta is situated in the center of the Colchagua Valley, a few kilometers from the town of Santa Cruz. The Apalta Valley is made up of 800 hectares of grapes and other crops. This valley is characterized by its excellent conditions for the development of wine grapes, which has been demonstrated by the great wines that are produced in the area. This has led to the Apalta Valley being known as the “valley blessed by the hand of God”.
History of Carménère in Chile and its Relation to Apaltagua: The Carménère grape is a wine grape variety originally planted in the Médoc region of Bordeaux, France, where it was used to produce deep red wines and occasionally used for blending purposes in the same manner as Petit Verdot.
A member of the Cabernet family of grapes, the name “Carménère” originates from the French word for crimson (carmin) which refers to the brilliant crimson color of the autumn foliage prior to leaf-fall. The grape is also known as Grande Vidure, a historic Bordeaux synonym, although current European Union regulations prohibit Chilean imports under this name into the European Union. Along with Cabernet sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot, Carménère is considered part of the original six red grapes of Bordeaux, France.
Now rarely found in France, the world’s largest area planted with this variety is in Chile in South America, with more than 8,800 hectares (2009) cultivated in the Central Valley. As such, Chile produces the vast majority of Carménère wines available today and as the Chilean wine industry grows, more experimentation is being carried out on Carménère’s potential as a blending grape, especially with Cabernet Sauvignon.
Varietals: 90% Carménère and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon
Alcohol: 14.0% by volume
Tasting Notes: The Apaltagua Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon is characterized by being a sophisticated and elegant wine in which touches of strawberry and cherry are well emphasized. In the mouth it possesses a delicate velvety full-bodied taste, generous finish in which the touches of vanilla and herbs stand out.
Food Pairings: Pair with savory meats and hardy soup.
Jim Lutfy’s thoughts: “Rich, strong, and full-bodied wine with a long flavorful finish. The aromatics are striking with freshness and purity for the varietal. A great depiction of what Carménère should be, with good integration of herbaciousness and ripeness! Enjoy!”- JL