Carmenre: can do better

Published: 23 July, 2008

Product in the UK is not representative

The Carmenre currently available as a single varietal is not as good as it could be according to Jos Ignacio Cancino, chief winemaker for Via La Rosa. Cancino spoke to Harpers during the London International Wine & Spirits Fair. He said: "The Carmenre currently available in the UK is not representative of what it can produce because it is being used primarily to blend with other red grape varieties. "I believe it can be - will be - better than Merlot. Carmenre can produce outstanding single varietals," said Cancino. At the fair Cancino was unveiling the 2000 vintages of Via La Rosa's La Palmeria Reserva and Gran Reserva ranges along with its 2001 Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon Ros, which has been listed by Whitbread, and La Palmeria Sparkling Brut. He told Harpers that Via La Rosa, which is Chile's third largest wine company, will produce a Syrah next year from its 15ha planted. He said the company continues to concentrate on wines for the crucial 4.99 price point as UK buyers and consumers seek fruit-driven value-for-money wines with some complexity.

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