Thirsty Thursday: 2008 Xplorador Carmenere

Thirsty Thursday is the quest to drink good, cheap wine that is $10.00 and under. Want some more recommendations? Check out the past cheap wine posts on Thirsty Thursday.

We are off to Chile, baby, for a wine made by the fine folks at Concha Y Toro.

Concha Y Toro has a wide-range of wines – some are over $100 a bottle and some are under $10. Lucky for us deal seekers, the $10 wines are pretty darn good.

My new favorite is the 2008 Xplorador Carmenere from Chile for $6.99.

For those not familiar with the Carmenere grape – it reminds me of a cross between a Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. So it is going to be a full-bodied red wine that goes great with food.

It tastes of creamy wood, sweet spices, espresso, and ruby fruit, however it is not nearly as fruity/sweet as some of its California counterparts.

It is an easy drinking wine with a slight amount of tannins – so it would go well with a spicy meat, creamy pasta sauce, or a cheese platter. (Cause we all like wine and cheese – yum.)

And you are going to need some food to go with it – because at 13.5% alcohol – you’ll be getting silly if you drink it on a empty tummy.

Honestly, I’m pretty blown away that this wine is under $7.00. It has all the attributes of a French wine (slightly subtle) with all the goodies of a Chilian wine (yummy fruit).

So embrace South America (and pretend you are there where it is warm) and grab a couple bottles the next time you are at the store. Because a $7.00 diversion is always a good investment.

Note: This wine should be available at most liquor outlets. Please be responsible when you drink wine – and never drive drunk…seriously, that is just stupid in this day in age.

Got a wine or cocktail you would like to share? Link on up! Because no one should have to drink bad wine, ever.

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