SIX GRAPE SURVIVORS

1

Veramonte Carménère (£11.49, 14%)

Rich and fulsome, this organic carménère is smooth, rounded and bursting with red berry flavours (blackberry and plum) and aromas, and a lovely spiciness. A little bit like supercharged merlot. Available from Ocado.

2 The Society’s Chilean Carménère Rapel Valley 2020 (£7.50, 14%)

A typically well-chosen wine, soft and fruity and very drinkable. Again, a highish ABV but a very welcoming wine. Available from The Wine Society.

3 Co-op Irresistible Carménère (£7, 13.5%)

Easier on the wallet, but very much an equal on the palate, the Co-op’s carménère from the Maipo Valley region is aged in oak barrels, giving it an earthiness on the palate combined with dark red fruits, most apparently plums, and a rich, peppery spiciness. Available from The Co-op. 4

Errazuriz Estate Carménère (£10.99, 13.5%)

A fabulous ruby red in colour, figs and berries and spices burst from the glass and linger on the palate, another very moreish red wine. Available from Ocado.

5 Admiral Thomas Carmenère 2021 (£8.99, 13%)

Named after Thomas Cochrane, the British admiral who as a mercenary helped Chile win its independence from Spain, this is a fine tribute to the great man. Plenty of red berries on the palate and the nose and a silky finish. (£7.99 for a mixed six). Available from Laithwaites.

6 Undurraga Candelabro Rapel Carménère 2020 (£7.95, 14%)

Fresh and fruity, all black peppers and raspberries to the fore, this also enjoys a subtle spiciness that makes me think of cold winter evenings and a crackling log fire. Delicious. Available from The Wine Society.