Grillin & Chillin with Carchelo

Back around the 4th of July I had picked up some wines to go with the meat I was firing up on the grill.  Mike Jones had some recommendations and we've already reviewed one of them.  This weekend we moved on to the second wine recommended for grilled and barbequed meat, a Spanish blend by Carchelo.

The 2009 Carchelo C is a blend of 40% Monastrell, 40% Tempranillo, and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes.  On the nose the Carchelo C is very ripe with notes of cherries and raisins.  This is a light and fruity wine that has a brisk concise finish.  The three grapes all offer their own strengths to this wine.  Dark fruit from the Monastrell, lightness from the Tempranillo, and spicy boldness from the Cabernet.

This was a good wine with grilled chicken and bbq sauce.  I thought it went well with some Rudy's brisket I picked up this evening, but Pris felt the chicken was a better pairing.  The sweet in the wine with the smoky from the chicken worked really well together.  Like I said, this was a good wine with barbeque, but its not really a wine we were too fond of on its own.  The lightness and sweetness that worked so well with the grilled meats was a bit much for us on its own.  Now if you're into slightly sweeter and fruitier wines, then the 2009 Carchelo C is for you.

We purchased the 2009 Carchelo C at Jones Liquor in Brownsville and it was $10.99.  Its rated 91 points from Wine & Spirits and 88 points from Wine Advocate. You can find out more about Carchelo at:  http://www.carchelo.com/