Carignan 2015

Last year Decanter Magazine wrote that: “As a wine drinker, to discover (or perhaps rediscover) Carignan is to happen upon a vinous jewel.” This too often forgotten grape variety is now having a massive resurgence across Spain and France, and particularly when dry-farmed in Chile.

After a devastating earthquake in 1939, Carignan was introduced while patching up some of Chile’s vineyards, and from there its popularity grew. Following another earthquake in 2010, which damaged many vineyards in the Maule Valley, a group was set up to protect and celebrate the remaining old vine Carignan. Chilean Carignan feels like a wine that is coming of age and very much one to watch.

Maybe that’s why this wine got its name Naciente, Spanish for nascent, meaning coming into existence and beginning to show its future potential. Pouring a glass of this vegan-friendly red, you’ll discover cherry, bramble, blackberry, blueberry, raspberry, dark chocolate, coffee beans, tobacco and a charming mushroomy, herby meatiness reminiscent of cooking Bolognese. Naciente Carignan makes a perfect partner to grills, game, Ethiopian cuisine, stews, empanadas and chilli.