Winery:  "These Carmenère grapes come from the Rapel Valley and have been aged in small, french oak barrels for 10 months.  Bright raspberry red in colour with hints of spice, plum, vanilla, and cinnamon aromas, this dry, full bodied wine has firm structure and lingers on the palate.  Viña Ochagavía is one of the oldest Chilean wine brands and dates back to 1851. The founder, Silvestre Ochagavía was a man of enterprising spirit who, on visiting Europe to study the new trends in winemaking, returned with the first noble grape varieties from Bordeaux, thus becoming the father of modern Chilean winemaking.  Today, Viña Ochagavía vineyards are located in the most renowned Chilean valleys. They benefit from a temperate climate ensuring an even ripening of the grapes, which ensures a high concentration of aromas and flavours."

Wine Speak:  "Carmenère is a grape that is indigenous to western France, particularly Bordeaux. Interestingly enough, the variety is practically extinct in its place of origin. The phylloxera blight of the late 19th century decimated the varietal throughout Europe, except for a couple of small pockets in Bordeaux and northeastern Italy. Today, Carmenere finds its greatest expression in Chile, where it found a home and thrived in that country’s sandy soils and Bordelaise-type climate.  Chilean winemakers value Carmenère’s ability to express deep, dark fruit flavors that are balanced by lush, supple tannins that are firm, but not aggressive, as opposed to Cabernet Sauvignon for example. This allows Carmenère  to be enjoyed young, though it can continue to evolve with a little bottle-age. Like other Chilean wines, Carmenère also tends to be a good value.  Carmenère has a similar flavor profile to California Zinfandel and Argentine Malbec, though with more of a peppery note."

Wired For Wine:  Stock up on this Carmenère winelovers; you can't find it anywhere else!  This Gran Reserva is worth a try so that you can experience its dry, full-body, as well as its deep, dark fruit flavors.  Together, they make this wine the perfect partner for hearty meat and beef dishes.  A tender lamb stew over simple rice goes beautifully, as does a big, juicy prime rib if you're feeding a crowd.  A creamy potato gratin will be a great complement to that prime rib, and the Carmenère will have no trouble handling its richness.  A simpler option which will be just as phenomenal a match is a T-bone steak, grilled the way you like it.  The gratin of potatoes can be used for this meal too... Before the main course comes out, pour a big glass of the Ochagavia and enjoy it with some mushroom canapés.  Delicioso!

Size:  750ml
Vintage:  2006
Varietal:  100% Carmenère
Ageing:  10 months in small, French oak barrels
Alcohol:  14.5%
Region:  D. O. Valle del Rapel, south of Santiago, Chile