A Wine for Tonight: 2009 Viu Manent Carmenere Reserva



By Kori ~ September 22nd, 2011.

Would you like a quick suggestion for a good wine to drink tonight (or this weekend) that won’t break your budget and is widely available? Many of our readers have said this is something they would like, so here is this week’s selection, the 2009 Viu Manent Carmenere Reserva from the Colchagua Valley in Chile.

Our selection criteria include:

  • A very good Quality rating of >=3.5 stars (out of 5)
  • A price tag of <=$15
  • Must be widely available

The Viu family owns Viu Manent, located in Santiago, Chile. Founded in 1935 by Miguel Viu-García and his two sons Agustín and Miguel Viu-Manent, the winery is now in the hands of the third generation and led by Jose Miguel Viu. In 1966, Miguel Viu Manent purchased the Hacienda San Carlos de Cunaco in Colchagua, which included 150 hectares of vineyards, a winery, and a manor house. Viu Manent celebrated its 75th anniversary last year. The winery produces 208,000 cases annually.

“Ruby red, dark and deep. On the nose, aromas of black cherry, mocha and leather. In the mouth has flavors of blueberry, dark chocolate and roasted hazelnut, which combine perfectly with voluptuous tannins, leading to a long and balanced finish.” –Viu Manent

2009 Viu Manent Carmenere Reserva (Colchagua Valley, Chile): Deep, purplish red. Aromatic with red fruit, vegetal notes, and a bit of barnyard funk on the nose. More red fruit, green bell pepper, and black pepper come through on the palate. Full-bodied with lively acidity, medium to high tannins, and a long, slightly bitter, finish.
Quality: 3.5 stars (out of 5)
QPR: 5 bangs for your buck (out of 5)
Where to buy: Esquin Wine Merchants (Seattle, Washington), $10; Available elsewhere, $10 to $14


Filed under: A Wine for Tonight, Carmenere, Chilean Wine, Five-Bangs For Your Buck Wines, Red Wine, Wines Under $10, Wines Under $15, Wines Under $20, Wines Under $25

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