Top Picks for Carmenère

Ruby black color. Aromas and flavors of red peppercorns, paprika, red cassis, pomegranate, savory broth, and sumac with a satiny, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a smooth, complex, long finish conveying notes of strawberry relish with light oak flavor. A delightfully balanced, light-on-its-feet Carmenere that will blend in seamlessly at the table.

Awards: 2021 Best Domestic Carmenère

Black ruby color. Aromas of ripe apples, figs, sultanas, leather, roasted carrots, star anise, and tomato jam with a velvety, vibrant, fruity medium-to-full body and a smooth, complex, long autumn leaves and ripe plums finish with moderate oak flavor. A rich, complex and wonderfully integrated Carmenére.

Dusty garnet color. Aromas and flavors of new leather, dark cherry, india ink, and tomato paste with a satiny, tangy, dry medium body and a graceful, breezy finish with accents of tart raspberry and cinnamon with well-integrated tannins. A sprightly red that brings savory interest and a lively finish.

Awards: 2021 Best Chilean Carmenere '2021 World Value Wine Challenge-Top 10 Red Wine $15 and Under'

Garnet black color. Aromas of chocolate, roasted figs and dates, fire-roasted mixed bell pepper, and peppercorns with a slightly chewy, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and an effortless, charming, medium-long pickled blackberries and grilled bread finish with well-integrated tannins and moderate oak flavor. A wide-appealing Carmenère with an alluring nose; great for steaks.

Bright ruby color. Aromas and flavors of tomato stem, vanilla cream, green pepper relish, and cassis with a velvety, dry light-to-medium body and an even, compelling, brisk finish that shows accents of charred rosemary and tart black plum with medium tannins and a suggestion of oak flavor. A smooth and herbal sipper to compliment grilled vegetables.

Deep purple color. Smoky aromas and flavors of flame-grilled bell peppers, blistered blackberries, olive focaccia, hints of sesame, and soy with a satiny, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a sleek, agreeable finish that shows notes of coriander seed with moderate oak flavor. A smoky, spicy, fruity Carmenere for grilling and chilling.

Ruby black color. Aromas of smoked jerky, chocolate, roasted berries, and cedar with a supple, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a sleek, engaging, medium-long chocolate Craisins, tomato and herb compote on grilled toast, dark roasted nuts, and white ash finish with fine, dusty tannins and moderate oak flavor. An attractively smoky and savory Carmenere that will complement grilled fare.

Garnet black color. Aromas and flavors of roasted red pepper, grilled pumpkin, blackened pepita, and mole negro with a satiny, bright, fruity medium body and a smooth, medium-length finish revealing notes of mango and licorice with moderate oak flavor. A smoky, earthy Red that will play well with beef and pork.

Ruby black color. Inviting aromas of sliced jalapeños, honey, ripe blackberries, juicy plum, and black peppercorn with a satiny, vibrant, dryish medium body and a seamless, medium-length raspberry, dried fig, and hints of chocolate finish with medium tannins and moderate oak flavor. A lip-smacking Chilean Carmenere with a nice balance of fruity and green pepper notes.

Dark ruby garnet color. Earthy aromas of blistered berries, grilled root vegetables, and grilled bell pepper with a satiny, crisp, dryish medium body and a smooth, stimulating, medium-length sun dried tomato, mixed berry muffins, and pickled beets finish with light oak flavor. A smoky, earthy Carmenere with a distinctly Chilean swagger.

Awards: '2020 World Value Wine Challenge-Top 10 Red Wine $8 and Under'