Photo courtesy of 1865 Wines
If you’re new to the world of red wine, the options can be overwhelming - but Cabernet and Carménère are two fascinating red wines that help to bring people together. These two grapes are adored by many around the world and are even a bit opposite in their modern stories - even though they are both part of Bordeaux's original grapes.
Red wine is a symbol of hospitality, often shared among friends and family during celebrations or even quiet evenings of conversation. There’s something intimate about pouring a glass for someone, sitting back, and enjoying the layers of flavor as conversation flows. It’s no wonder that red wine often serves as a backdrop to life’s most cherished moments—from weddings and holidays to simple gatherings at home.
Red wine is also more than just a beverage; it’s a journey into culture, history, and even health. From romantic dinners to casual social gatherings, red wine has an undeniable presence, elevating moments into memorable experiences. But beyond its flavor and aroma, there’s an entire lifestyle that revolves around it from making sure you serve big red wines in beautiful glassware to properly decanting them on the dining room table.
Photo courtesy of 1865 Wines - Winemaker Andrea Calderon
Chile’s 1865 wines are known around the world for their consistent premium quality, bold and fresh flavour profiles as well as lovable taste profiles. 1865 Wines belongs to Viña San Pedro, in fact, the name is a tribute to its founding year. The winery is one of the oldest, historic and most awarded wineries in the country. Andrea Calderon has been the Chief Winemaker for Viña San Pedro’s 1865 Wines since 2018 and she is in charge of crafting 1865 Wines for three ranges including Selected Vineyards, Selected Blend and Selected Collection.
Chile’s wine industry is celebrated for its diversity and quality, with Cabernet Sauvignon and Carménère standing out as two of the country’s most beloved red grape varieties. With both character and charm, these two red wines from Chile will surprise, delight and impress.
Cabernet Sauvignon: The Wine That Elevates Lifestyle
Cabernet Sauvignon is more than just a wine variety—it’s a symbol of sophistication, indulgence, and celebration. With its bold, full-bodied flavor and deep, complex character, this red wine has earned its place as a favorite among enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike. But beyond its taste, Cabernet Sauvignon has woven itself into a variety of lifestyle experiences, enhancing everything from dining to entertaining, and even personal wellness.
Chile has long been a revered name in the world of wine, and among its diverse offerings, Cabernet Sauvignon stands out as a true emblem of the country's viticultural prowess. This bold and robust varietal has found a unique expression in the Chilean terroir, producing wines that are celebrated for their quality, consistency, and distinctive character. Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the most iconic and widely recognized red wine varietals globally. Originating from Bordeaux, France, this grape has found a particularly successful home in Chile. The country’s climate and soil conditions provide an ideal environment for Cabernet Sauvignon to thrive.
SWG TASTING NOTES: This bold, yet fresh cabernet draws you in with aromatic combination of clove, cocoa, and ripe berries. The palate reminds me of red velvet cupcakes without the icing adding a playful and smooth element. The rich and velvety textural finish completes itself with a lightly oaked, earthy, grounded, and deeply satisfying taste. Very good and ideal even to cellar. Decant before serving.
Photo courtesy of 1865 Wines - 1865 Wine Cellar
Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon is celebrated for its balance, structure, and vibrant fruit flavors. Typically, these wines exhibit rich notes of blackcurrant, plum, and blackberry, complemented by hints of spice, tobacco, and cedar. The cool coastal influences often impart a subtle minerality and freshness, while the warm temperatures ensure that the wine retains a full-bodied character. Andrea loves working with cabernet Sauvignon and she brings out the freshness of the grape in her modern winemaking approach. Her 1865 Cabernet Sauvignon is popular around the world. With 12 months of oak aging, the profile is modern, youthful, fresh and still bold and beautiful. It is recommended to use big bold crystal glassware as you serve this wine and decant this Cabernet at least one-hour before serving to your guests
By mastering the art of pairing, you can turn any meal into a gourmet experience. Even a simple weeknight dinner can feel elevated when a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon is thoughtfully paired with your meal, offering balance and depth to the flavors on your plate. One of the key attributes of Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon is its versatility. It pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes, from hearty grilled meats - like a tomahawk steak or New York striploin to rich, savory winter stews. This Cabernet is the ideal companion to fall and winter fare and can follow through into holiday hosting dinner parties and even winter barbecues. Its tannic structure also makes it an excellent candidate for aging, with many bottles developing additional.
Carménère: A Lifestyle Wine That Tells a Story
Carménère, a bold and vibrant red wine originally from Bordeaux but now most famously grown in Chile, has become a favorite for those seeking something a little different from the typical wine offerings. Known for its smooth tannins, rich flavors of dark fruit, and distinctive herbaceous notes, Carménère offers an intriguing balance of complexity and approachability and is now the superstar grape of Chile, Carménère - a real treasure for every red wine enthusiast.
Over the past few decades, Carménère has gained significant recognition on the global stage. Chilean winemakers have embraced this unique grape, producing a range of high-quality wines that showcase its potential. The varietal has become a point of pride for Chile and a key player in its wine industry. The grape thrives in Chile’s Mediterranean climate, with its warm days and cool nights, which help preserve its acidity and freshness.
Photo courtesy of 1865 Wines - 1865 Wine Cellar
One of the most intriguing lifestyle aspects of Carménère is the story behind it. Once thought to be nearly extinct after the phylloxera epidemic devastated vineyards in France in the 19th century, Carménère was rediscovered in Chile in the 1990s, having been mistakenly identified as Merlot for decades. This rediscovery has given Carménère a fascinating backstory, adding an element of history and intrigue to each bottle.
Carménère is known for its deep red color, robust flavor, and smooth texture. It is often described as having notes of red and black fruits, such as blackberry and plum, combined with earthy undertones and hints of green pepper. Its distinctive profile is partly due to its unique growing conditions in Chile’s diverse terroirs. Carménère wines are typically medium to full-bodied, with a velvety texture and moderate tannins. 1865 Carménère is aged for 12 months in oak making the wine approachable on the palate and also serious.
Carménère offers a softer, more velvety texture with a unique flavor profile that includes smooth tannins and softer spicy notes. With its balanced acidity it makes it a versatile wine that pairs well with a variety of dishes. Carménère works beautifully with grilled meats, spicy dishes, and pasta with tomato-based sauces. Its fruitiness and spice notes enhance a wide range of flavors so it can be a versatile player in the kitchen and on the table. Carménère also works well as a gift to bring to a party or for the host to enjoy or a romantic dinner for two. For a wine-tasting event, Carménère can serve as the perfect introduction to the lesser-known wines of South America. Carménère brings a sense of discovery, history, and enjoyment to everyday moments
SWG TASTING NOTES:
Enticing aromas of milk chocolate and dark cherry waffles —such a unique combination. The soft violet flowers add a delicate floral note that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the fruit and chocolate. The kiss of oak offers just enough structure to create a rounded texture and unforgettable taste profile.
These wines are both available now at the LCBO for $19.95
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