Casas del Bosque Carmenere Reserva 2019

Deep red with a garnet hue. Aromas reminiscent of black cherries, plums and dry leaves with a hint of green bell pepper are complemented with tertiary notes of chocolate and spice. This Carmenère is soft and plump, with supple tannins and good length. A perfect match with Peruvian “seco de cordero,” or other lamb dishes such as minced lamb kebabs with “salsa verde”, mint or coriander. Smoky bacon, peppers, zucchini and eggplant too. Fresh chilies, as used in Mexican or even certain types of Thai food.

While Carménère is certainly well known for its Pyrazine component, this Reserva from Casas del Bosque tames it and balances it pretty well thanks in great part to the way malolactic fermentation is managed during ageing. Also, the fruit is sourced from loamy alluvial soils with excellent drainage, very close to the Cachapoal river. Upon arrival at the winery, all grapes were destemmed and crushed into stainless steel tanks and inoculated with selected yeasts.