Thirsty Thursday: 2008 Inama Carmenere Piu
Do you enjoy grilling red meats? Savor the taste of a fine salami? Or perhaps simply relish in exploring nuances of a well crafted wine? If you answered yes to one or all three of these questions then this edition of Thirsty Thursday is for you.
From one of my favorite producers of Soave Classico, Inama, comes a palate pleasing Carmenere. Originally cultivated in Bordeaux in the early 18th Century, the Carmenere varietal has made a resurgence over the past two decades in Chile, where some exceptional expressions of the varietal are being produced. Characteristics typically associated with Carmenere include cherry flavors, earthiness, tobacco, spice, and smoke, as well as softer tannins than say a Cabernet Sauvignon.
The Inama Carmenere Piu, or more in Italian, is blended with 25% Merlot and expresses much of the characteristics associated with Carmenere. Clean and engaging the wine stands on its own or pairs phenomenally with dried salami or the Rump Roast Stuffed with Spinach and Shiitake Mushrooms posted here last week.
Here’s my complete review:
2008 Inama Carmenere Piu (Veneto Rosso, Italy)
Dark ruby red in color, the nose opens with aromas of red berry, tobacco, and smoke. The palate displays concentrated flavors of black cherry and cassis, with a touch of earthiness. Medium bodied and surprisingly clean, the wine finishes with a violet hue and subtle tannins.
Retails for around $20
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Well then yup, this thirsty Thursday is just for me!
This wine sounds like it’d potentially be too heavy/smokey for me, but I know it’d pair wonderfully with red meat.
Actually the smokey aspect of the wine is rather soft and refined, so there is probably still room for you to enjoy the wine.
I love learning about new grape varietals! Carmenere, eh? Going to have to look this one up.
This wine, though completely new to me, sounds like something I should have discovered ages ago. Another one for the list. Thanks, Jed!
You got it, now get drinking!
Wow, I answered yes to all three questions! Sadly I cannot indulge in reds, why don’t you review some whites? There are many of us who cannt drink reds out there !
Happy Friday, hope you have a wonderful weekend.
You ask and you shall receive. Whites are on the way!
This sounds like a good alternative to a Cabernet Sauvignon. I may have to find me some of this. Lamb, steak, and red sauce are my last vestige of wine with food, and this seems like it would go nicely with the meat, at least.
You’d have zero complaints with some red meat off the bone with this wine.
Sounds wonderful – it´s a new one to me!
I have had some Chilean carmenere based wines, but never Italian (I think). Thanks for the review!
This was one of my first Italian Carmeneres and excellent.
I answered yes to all three questions! Looks like a great wine.