The bad news: Chile is still a bit of a minefield for wine shoppers when it comes to reds. The good news: Bottles such as the 2012 Oveja Negra Maule Valley Reserve Cabernet Franc-Carmenere ($10) could be poised to change all that. Rich and rustic (an all-too-rare combo, I say), this blend has a heady, herby nose and red-fruit-laden flavors, with plenty of spice and a bit of toast through the more-than-ample finish. Roasted pork or chicken, especially of the herb-infused ilk, are optimum pairings, as are grilled tuna, chicken quesadillas and BLTs.
Available at Kowalski's Uptown, Zipp's, France 44 and Surdyk's Flights.
BILL WARD
