The ‘One-Night Stand ‘ of wines – Concha y Toro Carmenere
If you have ever visited Dubai or been stuck here for an extended period of time (try 3 years!) you’ll be familiar with the extravagant wine prices in the retail shops but particularly in the restaurants. Usually you will be buying up to 4 times the market price just for a blah French wine on a wine list which leaves you considering giving up wine altogether because it’s just not worth it.
As I’m not one to give up, especially when we are talking about wine – I have done some extensive research and have found a wine-producing region that is now my ‘One-Night Stand of Wines’. They are easy-drinking, attainable, uncomplicated and really considering the circumstances they can provide a darn good time. If you are able to leave fussiness at the door and just want to relax with a vino, and a good DVD then Central Valley Chilean wines are for you.
I am currently sitting back with a glass of Concha y Toro Sunrise Carmenere 2009 (NZ$10) and watching The Whole 10 Yards, the perfect combination. The wine is like a glass of plum juice with that little bit of vanilla and oak and a touch of spice to finish off. If it wasn’t for the slightly warming feeling from the alcohol I could easily guzzle it down like juice. If I was a true wine snob I may spit it out and in a French accent say ‘c’est terrible’. Same goes for the movie – but I mean what’s your life going to be like if you turn your nose up at everything, life is way to short for that nonsense.
Why I pick the Central Valley in Chile for my ‘One-Night Stand Wine’ is that it’s exactly that – its nothing serious, it’s for sitting back in your pj’s with a block of chocolate and chilling out. When I purchase a bottle I know I am not going to be disappointed and in more times than not I believe I have robbed the retailer.
When I do in fact feel like splurging out on the top-notch Chilean vino’s, these similarly are not disappointing for the buck you pay; Valdivieso Cabollo Loco, Errazuriz Don Maximiano and the Concha y Toro Amelia Chardonnay to name a few. So live a little, go have a one-night stand (wine) this week…