2009 Oveja Negra Cabernet Franc Carmenère

Although Oveja Negra translated means "black sheep", this blended wine is anything but. Oveja Negra wines are harvested in the Maule Valley region of San Rafael, Chile, a culture rich in wine growing tradition. With a blend consisting of 71% Cabernet Franc and 29% Carmenère, one of the first things that drew me to this wine was it's rich red color and deep violet overtones. The notes are a little intense, evoking scents of ripened fruits like red and black berries, cassis and plums. It takes me back to the days of my childhood, running barefoot through the wide open fields picking berries from the bushes.

Image courtesy of Wine Library. 

Ideally served room temperature with roast meat, seasoned vegetable stews, grilled white meats, or even yesterday's chicken dish, this wine would be perfect for serving at a dinner party, although I must warn it is an acquired taste with it's delicate notes of tobacco and coffee and touch of black pepper and good finish. 

Oveja Negra has quickly transformed itself into one of the chief winemakers of Chile. Their penchant for using sustainable viticulture practices makes for an amazing experience. It's the street corner where innovative style meets responsible structure to create a truly unique wine in which quality takes precedence over everything else.

Oveja Negra is redefining black sheep not as the outcast, but as a unique and extraordinary individual. One that immediately draws all eyes in the room. Dare yourself to be the black sheep of the group and try this earthy wine. At around $13 a bottle it could easily be yours!