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| TASTING NOTES OF BLIND WINE TASTING OF CARMENERES OF THE WORLD
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Andes Wines organized the first blind wine tasting of “Worldwide Carménères” from Italy (Carmenero –Ca´del Bosco Winery), Argentina (Carménère Viniterra) and United States (Colvin Vineyards of Walla Walla in Washington) in the prestigious “Club Unión el Golf” of the Chilean capitol under the concept of the amateur group of wine lovers known as the CIRCULO DEL VINO OR WINE CIRCLE - AW, which focuses on blind wine tasting in order to strengthen the knowledge of wine amongst consumers, winemakers, journalists, entrepreneurs, ambassadors, and other professionals. The blind tasting was led by Sergio Silva Grez. The tasting notes were prepared by the wine writer Eduardo Brethauer. |
VINITERRA MOMENTO II CARMENERE 2004
 Momento II Carmére is fermented in stainless steel barrels. In order to maintain its varietal carácter, only 15% is kept in barrels made of American oak, giving it flavours of red fruits and spices along with a bit of vanilla and chocolate.
The 2004 harvest presents us with an intense red with purple-toned edges. In the nose it is perceived as a very mature wine. Quality. In the mouth it brings us tastes of liquor, iron and even blood. It’s sweet, but a bit short. Contradictory. Its tannins can not hide its bitterness which is contrasted with taste of honey.
COLVIN VINEYARDS CARMENERE 2003
 It has been indicated above all a rarity. And nothing less. It’s not too common to find a Carmenere in the United States. But it’s a rarity that has awakened very good comments from a critic who is seduced by the softness of its tannins and who finds great pleasure in harmonizing it with high-class gastronomy. Argued to be “A feminine Cabernet.”
Along with his neighbour Gary Figgins from Leonetti Cellars, whose interest stemmed from his desire to mix Carmenere, Colvin obtained the necessary permits and planted four acres. His first harvest was presented in the Holiday Barrel Tasting Weekend of 2002 and is made up of 90% Carménere, while the remaining 10% is Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
The 2003 harvest shows us an impressionistic ruby red with lightly evolved borders. In the nose it is potent with notes of very ripe cherries, damp earth and black pepper. In the mouth however, is where this wine really shows itself. Grilled green pepper, dark chocolate and a touch of marmalade with a taste similar to that of rose hips. The initial sensation is sweet and velvety, but shortly after, it begins to lose itself in the mouth, leaving us halfway between the elegance of its fruits and iodized sensations.
CARMENERO CA' DEL BOSCO 2000
 The encounter of Ca’ del Bosco and Carmenere began in 1990, when the Franciacorta estate decided to import Cabernet Franc seeds from a French nursery. By chance, which is always crucial part in history, the mixing of the plants has been compared to something like a wolf with lamb’s skin, revealing the qualities of a wine that, apart from the enthusiasm of the critics, should still be bottled as Vino di Tavola.
In its 2000 version, Carmenero shines with a garnet red, deep and very bright. In the nose it really impresses with intense lactic notes and ripe red fruits, and even a touch of bacon. It is a complete and elegant wine. It enters with flavours of blackberries, graphite and menthol herbs plus jam, liquor and ending with a cloud of smoke. In the mouth it is fresh and stable. Persistent and with tannins that still have the ability to evolve. Definitely a wolf that attacks with its up most kindness.
By Eduardo Brethauer
Wine Writer
Andes Wines
wines@andeswines.com
Translated by: Lara Roush (United States) |
18 Jul 2006 por maxmorales
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