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Carta Vieja
Varietal: Carmenere
Several New World wineries today are turning their vineyards over to the production of the fine Carmenere varietal grapes, as a result of their unique characteristics and intense flavors Although most commonly used as a blending varietal, single variety wines made with Carmenere have plenty to offer. These grapes are renowned for their intense dark red colored juices, and the fact that they carry some extremely interesting flavors and aromas. Young Carmenere wines are most commonly associated with deep, spicy notes, full of tobacco, chocolate and leather flavors that make them a favorite with wineries who wish to produce refined, elegant wines with a big finish. They are also famed for being one of the few grapes allowed by French law for the production of the world famous Bordeaux blended wines.
Region: Valle Central
The Valle Central in Chile has long since been one of South America's most productive and prodigious wine regions, with millions of bottles leaving the wineries of the region each year. The climate of Valle Central is hugely varied, thanks to the many micro-climates caused by the geological features of the region. As such, a relatively wide range of grape varietals thrive there, depending on the location. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot do very well in the warmer, more humid areas, whilst white grapes such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Carmenere can be found at higher altitudes. The region itself has been producing wines for an astonishingly long time; since the 16th century, vines have been cultivated in the Maipo Valley and close to the capital, Santiago, and the wine industry of Valle Central is now stronger than ever.
Country: Chile
When the wealthy new landowners of the 19th century began planting large vineyards in the fertile central valleys of Chile, they must have been impressed at how successful the imported Old World grape varietals took to the land. However, such a fact is hardly surprising; with eight months of blazing sunshine coupled with oceanic winds from the west, and crystal clear spring waters from the Andes irrigating the soil, grapes such as Malbec, Merlot, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon were given everything they needed to flourish, and more. As the centuries passed, Chilean wineries continued to expand and experiment, resulting in a wide range of wine production methods and techniques, and consistently producing fine quality wines perfect for the international market. Nowadays, Chile is renowned for producing a wide variety of crisp white wines, and juicy, fruity reds enjoyed around the world for their drinkability and flavorful character, making this country very much one of the 'New World', albeit one with a fascinating link to the Old.