Carmenere, Chilean Wine Tasting, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Carmenere is predominately grown in Chile, known as the country’s signature grape and usually produces a medium bodied wine. This easy drinking red is best enjoyed with red meats or corn based dishes like those typical of Santiago such as pastel de choclo (corn and meat pie). It’s natural fruitiness transfers well to Asian dishes too, making Indian curries worthy of some experimental carmenere pairing. At a recent Chilean carmenere wine tasting, where a whirl of reds were viewed, sniffed, swirled and gulped, three bottles stood out over the rest. Here is The Yum List’s pick of:

The Best Carmeneres in Malaysia

Carmenere, red wine, Chile, best Chilean red wine
1865 Carmenere 07, by San Pedro

San Pedro 1865 Carmenere 2007

This red is deep and intense violet in colour, with a fruity aroma. Notes of blackberry, fresh plum and black cherry, and a hint of black pepper, vanilla and blonde tobacco too can be detected. On the palate it has good volume, with ripe tannins that give softness and roundness to the wine. At the same time it is complex with good acidity, ripe fruit, well-integrated and fresh. Ideally paired with game birds, risotto, roasted lean meats and ripe cheeses and served at 16°–17°C.
Distributed by Albert Wines and Spirit
3A Jalan KIP 3, Taman Perindustrian
KIP, 52200 Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia
+6 03 6276 3993

Chilean Carmenere, Chilean red wine, best Chilean wine
Koyle Royale Carmenere 2009

Koyle Royale Carmenere 2009

Dark purple in hue with pure and clean native aromas this carmenere offers a vivid array of black chocolate, black pepper and graphite notes. The tannins are velvety and rounded, ending with a long core which comes from the influence of the Petit Verdot in the final blend. A 30 minute decanting period is recommended before drinking.

Distributed by Thai Seng Liquor Sdn Bhd.
No. 8 & 10, Jalan SP2/4
Syeksyen 2 Taman Serdang Perdana
Seri Kembangan
43300 Selangor Darul Ehsan
Malaysia
+6 03 8944 2898
best Chilean wines, carmenere, red wine
Santa Rita Medalla Real Carmenere 2009

Santa Rita Medalla Real Carmenere 2009

Deep and intense ruby red in colour, this Santa Rita Carmenere has a complex bouquet that combines the variety’s typical fresh black fruits and spicy notes blending elegantly with rich oak to heighten the wine’s chocolate and vanilla characteristics. The result is a big and flavourful wine that is concentrated and persistent without sacrificing elegance or depth.
Distributed by Vinsprit Sdn. Bhd.
Lot 6, Jalan Delima 1/1,
Subang Hi-Tech Industrial Park,
40150 Shah Alam, Selangor,
Malaysia.
T: +603 5638 8260
F: +603 5638 8361
M: +6012 911 6123
*** Please note: the wine descriptions above have borrowed from the wine producer’s tasting notes. I’ve edited and added my personal comments where appropriate but cannot claim to have the fine palate of those who wrote the original commentary.
This post is made with much gratitude to the Chilean Ambassador to Malaysia, Mr. Christian Rehren, for expanding our taste buds with such a wonderful selection of South American reds. 

6 Comments

  1. I don't drink and I don't know wines. Which would you choose if you were to buy just one bottle for a friend?

    • We tasted about 30 carmeneres that night! These were the three that stood out. You can't go wrong with any of them. If I really HAD to choose just one though, I might go with the Koyale Royale.

  2. i'd be happy with trying ALL of these! but need to find a designated driver to take me home after that 😀

  3. A pity we can not taste them.

    Greetings,
    Filip

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