Signature Grapes:

In what has sort of been standard procedure in the last several years or so, Chile has risen in the wine world with their flagship grape being Carmenere. I say this because if you think about it... you can sort of play a word association game with countries that aren't in the Big Four of wine producers [France, Italy, Spain, US]. Australia... Shiraz... Argentina... Malbec... Germany... Riesling... Hungary... Tokaji... Chile... Carmenere. Is it fair? Hell no. And there are exceptions... Greece has hundreds of native varieties, and Portugal routinely uses dozens of grapes in Port blends.

But sometimes in order for a country to gain notice in the wine world... they need a signature grape. It's especially unfair for places like Germany, which has been producing quality wines for generations. But nonetheless that's how the average wine drinker sees it. What is even more interesting to me... is the fact that Carmenere is a grape that until recently was seldom heard from... due to weather patterns and climate it does extremely well in Chile and as a result it has taken the international stage.

2006 Augustino Carmenere:

At any rate... I found this particular Carmenere to have well integrated oak, with big fruit. A quality buy for those looking to try this grape.

Wine Count: 21; Grape Count: 20