Viña San Pedro’s Molina Winery, where the 1865 brand of wines is produced.

I’ve been on a bit of a Carménère kick of late, but I have to add this new release from one of my favourite Chilean wineries, Viña San Pedro. Its 1865 division honours the founding date of the San Pedro winery. And if you think that was a long time ago, take note that the history of Chilean wine dates back to the 16th century, when Conquistadors planted vines from stock they brought aboard ships from Spain.

Ironically, this flagship Chilean grape was mistaken for Merlot for most of its existence in the country—right up until a French scientist officially identified it as Carménère in 1994.

I know most of you may have overindulged at Christmas dinner, but if you want to beat the New Year’s rush at the LCBO, here’s one to consider.

San Pedro 1865 Selected Vineyards Carménère 2019 — Maule Valley, Chile ($19.95)
Distinctively Carménère, with its slightly stemmy, green pepper/hot pepper nose. Additional notes of cedar and eucalyptus are accompanied by ripe, rich fruit that straddles in the dark red to blackberry spectrum. The alcohol (14.5%) is notable on the nose, but not distractingly so. Medium+ in body, with a medium+ acidity that further encourages drooling as the dark red fruit and soft spices take over on the palate. A really well balanced, velvety wine with medium tannins at most and a lengthy finish. Superb value for under $20. 91