JK's Carmenere is a passionate old school Italian with an intense unforgettable character, much like his kids Grandad - Mario.
Brilliant with red meats like JK's 'secret' lamb recipe or the Spiedo rotisserie.
Case of 6 ($21.90/bottle)
Nonno Mario for us in Kiwis translates to Grandad Mario. A perfect tribute to John Kirwan's Father n' Law. After living in Treviso, Italy for a decade, JK soon realized Mario is very much as part of the village as much as the cobblestones in the Piazza or the vines on the hills. Much like Mario this grape Carmenere is unique to this region and comes with a fascinating story as well. Back in 1900's the Carmenere grape was originally a famous Bordeaux grape, blended to create the famous 1st Growths. After the devastating plague of the Phylloxera bug it was thought extinct in Europe but turned up in Treviso and the guise of Cabernet Franc. Probably a trick played by the Frenchies to tthe Italians when selling the vines! Now an official DOC varietal of San Polo di Piave, Mario and the locals knew their local Cabernet Franc was a uniquely special, and so it was - it was the lost Bordeaux grape of Carmenere! As JK puts when talking about Mario or the wine - charmingly intense and utterly unforgettable.
From a combination of 15 different vineyards from around the Man O' War Waihekean estate making no less 29 components this powerful black beauty will impress
Ironclad honours the 19th Century warships who where amoured with iron plates bolted to the side to give them fortitude.