Carchelo: two modern Spanish reds from Jumilla
I've been trying quite a few Oddbins wines of late. My impression is that the buying is pretty good across the board now - before, Oddbins did well in the new world, but was a bit of a shocker when it came to France. Now even France seems to be improving. Here's a pair of modern Spanish reds from Bodegas Carchelo, that, refreshingly, are fruit driven and unspoiled by too much oak. The packaging is distinctive, too. Don't cellar for too long: these are sealed with white plastic corks.
Bodegas Carchelo Altico Syrah 2007 Jumilla, Spain
Very sweet, almost liqueur-like blackberry, dark cherry and blackcurrant nose with subtly cedary, earthy notes. The palate is sweet and lush with ripe, soft, jammy fruit and a subtle earthiness in the background. The oak (4 months in French) is in the background. While it's a very ripe, almost late-harvest style, there's still some freshness. Quite delicious, although it is super-ripe. 89/100 (£10.99 Oddbins)
Bodegas Carchelo 'Carchelo' 2008 Jumilla, Spain
A blend of 40% Monastrell, 40% Tempranillo, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. Sweet herby, minerally, spicy edge to the lush, sweet raspberry and cherry fruit nose Very seductive. The palate shows lovely spicy, minerally definition to the sweet fruit. Lovely purity of fruit, unencumbered by oak (it spends just 2 months in French oak). 89/100 (£8.99 Oddbins)
12 Comments:
I may have underestimated these wines by a point or two. After being open a while, they're really shining. Quite multifaceted. Great value for money, I reckon.
Cool labels.
If they did a "G" and a "T", they'd be great for genetics parties.
Are they part of the general range Jamie, or just in the fine wine stores?
Must be general - these aren't "fine wines"!
Must say I am yet to be impressed by anything at all in Oddbins.
Oddbins used to carry Chasse Spleen...none too shabby.
Oddbins "used to"... :-)
Point taken :)
but who would buy wine from shops that are not air conditioned? Went to one in Islington yesterday on the way to a REAL wine shop.
It was quite hot inside even though it was not an especially warm day and the bottles I touched were probably at least 22C
I've bought lots of wine from shops that aren't air-con, Keith, and haven't had any problems. Might have doubts about expensive stuff, but after recently enjoying a chilled-down Hatzidakis Santorini that was literally hot to the touch (in a car all day), I think wine is a lot more resistant than we give it credit for.
Dear Sirs,
During my last visit to Spain, I have tasted and enjoyed some very interesting wines.
LIVIUS TEMPRANILLO 100%
LIVIUS GRACIANO 100%
LIVIUS GARNACHA 100%
The name of the winery: BODEGAS Y VIÑEDOS ALVAR
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Best regards
Just tasted the Carchelo bought in my local Oddbins before Christmas. Drinking it at the 15 degrees C it suggests on the bottle adds to the very pleasing freshness the minerality gives the wine.
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