(V) Vina Falernia, from Elqui, is one of the most northern vineyards in Chile – only 30 degrees south of the equator and on the same latitude as Cairo. Better known for distilling Pisco (of Pisco Sour fame), the hot temperatures of the day which concentrates the fruit are balanced by the cold air descending from the Andes by night, creating elegance and finesse. Together with the high altitude and diversity of soil types, it means that grapes can thrive here and the resulting fruit is pure and fresh. Carmenere is actually an historic Bordeaux varietal and is often mistaken for Merlot. In terms of vinification, the grapes are dried and hand-picked – a technique that gives Amarone such depth – it helps that one of the winemakers hails from the Veneto region of Italy. Deep in colour, with green pepper, chocolate and vanilla notes on the nose. Rich with ripe tannins and spicy aroma on the palate. Works well with spicy foods. A one-off and a New World gem.
Delivery Charges
*Local Free Delivery: SL3 and SL4 postcode (Windsor/Datchet)
*Local Free Delivery: All SL (Except SL7), HP9, GU25, TW18, TW19 & TW20 postcodes. (Min. 6 bottles or 1 Hamper or 1 of our selected Wine cases purchased)
- England and Wales £12.00
- England and Wales Free Delivery (Over £200 purchased)
- Northern Ireland £30 (All BT postcodes)
- Scotland £15.00 (EH, FK, G, KA, KY, ML, DG and TD postcodes)
- Scottish Highlands and Islands £ 30.00 (All AB; DD; HS; IV; KW; KA27-28; PA; PH; TR21-25; ZE postcodes)
More Information
CarmenèreUntil phylloxera arrived in Bordeaux in 1870 and promptly powered its destructive way through the vines, Carmenère was, along with Cabernet Franc, one of the most planted varieties in the region. After replanting began (with grafted vines to avoid phylloxera) and the growers wearily began experimenting with new rootstocks from overseas, it was discovered that Carmenère ripened more irregularly when grafted, so plantings were gradually phased out. Now it is barely seen in Bordeaux. It has, however, been discovered to have been thriving in phylloxera-free Chile all along, where, since it arrived in the 19th Century, they have thought it was Merlot. Chile is now the world‘s Carmenère powerhouse. Prone to develop a green and vegetal note unless ripened over a long, warm season, it produces wines with rich, black fruit, warm spiciness and enticing, savoury complexity.
