2006 Casa Silva Reserva Carmanere Chile

A recent “Sips and Tips” on-line article led me to try a Carmanere with its selected pairing of BBQ country style pork chops. The featured Carmanere was good as was the BBQ recipe. I had actually bought three different Carmaneres to try and as it turned out my preference was the Casa Silva.

Then, having noted the hint of chocolate and cinnamon on the palate in this wine, I took the pairing a “big” step forward, at least in my opinion, and paired the Casa Silva with my own mole.

Over time I have been tweaking my years old mole recipe until I’m almost there. I need to find a local store that carries black chilis or chilis negro and then, coupled with a couple of “secret” ingredients, I will share the recipe - but first, I want to try it on Kelly.

The Casa Silva is very smooth. It is a very balanced Carmanere. It is dark in color, plenty of fruit on the nose - a little coffee?, a rounded palate of dark berries with hints of cinnamon and chocolate, a little oak and a soft finish. About $12-$13/bottle.

This wine should pair well with spicy Mexican food, roasted meats and BBQ.