2023 Urmeneta Reserva Carmenere, Chile

Urmeneta is one of Chile’s historic wine names, tracing its origins to the nineteenth century when José Tomás Urmeneta established vineyards during the formative years of the country’s modern wine industry. Today the label remains focused on accessible, distinctly Chilean wines, and Carmenère is exactly the grape to put front and centre. Once mistaken for Merlot in Chilean vineyards, it was correctly identified in the 1990s and has since become something of a national signature.

Carmenère loves Chile’s long, dry growing season, where abundant sunshine allows its dark fruit and spice to ripen while cooling influences help retain freshness. The 2023 Reserva has a little more depth and oak seasoning than the younger wines in the range, but the appeal remains immediate: generous fruit, supple tannins and that characteristic Carmenère mix of dark berries, pepper and savoury herbs.

Deep ruby purple with blackberry, black cherry and ripe plum followed by violet and blueberry. Cracked pepper, liquorice and a touch of capsicum add the variety’s distinctive savoury edge, with cocoa and gentle cedar underneath. The palate is plush and juicy, with ripe dark fruit, fresh acidity and smooth tannins. Plum, blackberry and pepper carry through the finish with a little dark chocolate and spice.

Smoky eggplant with black beans, tomato and coriander works brilliantly with Carmenère’s peppery side. Beef empanadas, pork with charred capsicum, mushroom tacos or grilled corn with chilli and lime can all happily join the table. Cellaring: Drink now to 2031.