Cabernet
Sauvignon
Fruity flavors are typically described as black cherry and
current. The jewel in California's crown, this varietal grape
produces a dry red wine. One of the most popular grapes
Malbec
The ripe, lush black grape variety Malbec was once popular
in Bordeaux as a blending component. It’s still used
for blending with Bordeaux varietals worldwide and at times,
in varietally labeled bottlings in the U.S., but now it’s
better known on its own. South America, where wine drinkers
like potent reds, have made Malbec into a real regional specialty.
Malbec’s rich, inky color and fat, juicy personality
make it brilliant with mellow, long-simmered dishes like braised
red meats and stews. The deep legendary “black”
wine of Cahors is traditionally matched to hearty rib-sticking
dishes.
Carmenere
Carmenere is a member of the Cabernet family of grapes originating
in Medoc, Bordeaux. At optimal ripeness, the wine is fruity
(cherries), crimson in color, full-bodied, with spicy, earthy
notes. The after taste is particularly long; with Integrated
tannins allow early consumption, although the wine ages well.
On the nose there is a slight gamey aroma (sometimes referred
to as beetroot) intermingled with ripe red fruits. The flavors
are earthy and fruity and, on the finish, you may find the
hint of a pleasant metallic flavor that I've encountered only
in carmenere. Not available in Bordeaux but now enjoying a
resurgence in Chile.
Merlot
Powerful fruit and spice flavor with mellow tannins for a
velvet finish. Will develop quicker than the Cabernet and
will stand up to similar food pairings.
Syrah
Also known as "Shiraz" in Australia, this grape
will produce a dark, rich, full-bodied wine with a chocolate
aroma. Chile has come a long way in growing high quality grapes
in this varietal. If you love syrah, this is a great choice;
the flavor characteristics in the "Chilean Version"
are more bold and pronounce.
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