Emerging Grapes of Chile

You may remember in previous months that I have written about lost grapes; Carmenere is one of them. Once only planted in Bordeaux, this grape was lost when the vineyards were destroyed by the phyloxera in the 1850s. Somehow the grape has made its way across to South America and only in the past 20 years or so was it rediscovered in Chile. Carmenere is a close relation to Merlot yet has a riper, more profound nose and tends to make wines slightly more richer.

To accompany the Carmenere in this shipment we have selected a Viognier. This is a grape that has started to come back into fashion. Indeed with the march in its popularity, I would not be surprised if in the next decade it will replace Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc in the league tables of wine consumption. As a grape, it is popular with wine makers as it with can withstand drought. Its deep, yellow skin produces amazing coloured wines and has a distinctive character of apricots, peaches and blossom.

So, market research time if thats OK?! I would be delight to find out what you think of this new pair that we have added to our range.

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