First, a reminder about the Bar Foundation’s Wine, Beer, and Bourbon Tasting being held November 13, 2026 at Medford Village Country Club. In addition to some wines you hopefully have not tasted before, beers and bourbons, there will be lots of great auction items. The money raised is used for the Children’s Holiday Party, and other charitable causes such as local foodbanks, scholarships, and high school volunteer organizations.

Last month I wrote about the wineries we visited in Chile. What I didn’t write about was the wine we drank the most of: Carménère, the wine grape that grows better in Chile than in anywhere else in the world. Originally grown in Medoc, Bordeaux, Carménère is one of the six permitted varietals for red Bordeaux wines (the others being Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec). 8,800 hectares of Carménère, 98% of the world’s production, are now planted in Chile’s Central Valley, and grows particularly well in the Colchagua Valley, Maipo Valley, and Rapel Valley.

Carménère was first imported from Bordeaux to Chile in the 19^th Century, prior to the Phylloxera outbreak, which eventually wiped out the varietal in France. For decades, Carménère was planted and harvested with Merlot, and mistaken for being a clone of Merlot. In 1994, Jean Boursiquot, a French ampelographist (scientist specializing in the identification and classification of grape vines) re-discovered Carménère as a distinct varietal in Chile.

Generally, Carménère wine is deep red in color, with aromas of red berries, red fruit, and berries, and flavors of red fruit, spice, and earthy notes. The tannins are softer, and the body is medium. It was often used in Bordeaux to deepen the color of wine. For high quality Carménère, look for bottles from Colchagua Valley.

An easy-drinking, everyday value Carménère is Amigo Perro’s “La Junta” Carménère. Bright cherry and herbal notes on the nose, joined by pepper on the palate.  13% ABV; $10 at Wineworks or Traino’s.

Root 1 is another budget-friendly choice, with notes of plum, blackberry, cocoa, herbs, and a hint of white pepper. 13% ABV: $11 at Wineworks.

For a step up, Montes Alpha Carménère is a great buy.  Aromas of blackberry, plum, pepper, and mocha, are joined by flavors of dark cherry and dark chocolate on the palate. Lush body, with a spiced finish. 14.5% ABV; $20 at Total Wine.

For really high quality Carménère, look for bottles from Colchagua Valley. Two highly-rated Carménère  are Montes Purple Angel ($114 at Total Wine) and Lapostelle Clos Apalta ($119 at Total Wine). ¡Salud!