Arboleda Carmenère 2023

This Carmenère skips the jammy excess many bottlings can't resist. Arboleda farms high in the Aconcagua Valley, where cool nights slow the ripening and keep things fresh. Plums, green peppercorn and a touch of cocoa move through the glass. It's smooth and rounded, with soft tannins and a fresh, savoury finish. Pork tenderloin or a peppery sausage cassoulet would make an easy match. Carmenère food pairings: steaks from the grill, game sausage cassoulet, pork tenderloin. Drink date: 2026-2031. (Patricio Tapia,nataliemaclean.com,2025)