La Misión Carmenère Reserva Especial

Tasting Notes from the Curator

As the ruby red depths of La Misión Carmenère Reserva Especial catch the light, embark on a transcendent tasting journey. Your senses get greeted with intense aromas of black cherry and tantalizing fig, supplemented by subtle undertones evocative of the earthy forest floor. The first sip unfolds a palette of flavours from juicy plum to delicate oak, masterfully woven together to present a captivating tapestry of taste. A gentle earthy minerality resonates with the wine’s origins at the foothills of the Andes, while ephemeral hints of black olive and black pepper peek from the backdrop, making each sip a thrilling exploration. The wine then wraps you in its smooth and velvety texture, setting the stage for a serene and reflective aftertaste. This is a taste journey that not just adds to the drinker’s pleasure, but makes for a contemplative experience in itself.

Pairings & Suggestions

• Grilled Meats: The earthy minerality of La Misión Carmenère Reserva Especial pairs exquisitely with succulent grilled ribeye steak, while its harmonious balance of fruit and spice works wonders alongside juicy lamb chops.
• Hearty Stews: Traditional beef Bourguignon is given a fresh lease of life with the wine’s dark cherry and fig aromas, while a spicy chili con carne is beautifully offset by its fruit-forward nature and intriguing hints of plum and black olive.
• Aged Cheeses: The wine’s rich black cherry and oak notes provide a perfect accent to the nutty flavours of aged Gouda, or elevate the saltiness of Parmigiano-Reggiano to a gastronomical delight.
• Leaner Cuts of Meat: Pair it with grilled chicken breast or pan-seared pork tenderloin to accentuate the dish’s inherent flavour while adding a unique dimension of its own.

  The Phenomenal Rebirth of Carmenère

Delve into the fascinating tale of the Carmenère grape, thought to have vanished in the late 19th century, a casualty of the deadly phylloxera epidemic that had swept through Bordeaux, the grape’s erstwhile home. However, it wasn’t extinction but rebirth as the Carmenère grape was unknowingly cultivated in Chile under the guise of Merlot due to their striking visual similarity. Just when Carmenère had become a myth shrouded in the mists of time, French ampelographer Jean-Michel Boursiquot reinstated its existence during his Chilean visit in 1994. Since then, Carmenère has become a celebrated representative of Chile’s wine industry, augmenting it with a distinctive identity while casting a seductive charm over wine connoisseurs worldwide.

Storage Instructions

La Misión Carmenère Reserva Especial requires to be stored in a cool, dark place, protected from UV light exposure and extravagant temperature shifts. Aim for a conducive temperature range of 12-16°C and a humid environment of 60-70% to ensure the cork remains moist. Position the wine bottles horizontally to keep the cork in contact with the wine. A vibration-free storage area is ideal, as mechanical agitation can disrupt sediment and affect overall taste.