Carmenère

Beef empanadas feature savory ground beef typically seasoned with aromatics like onions, garlic, and spices, enclosed in a flaky pastry crust. The rich, umami qualities of the beef call for medium to full-bodied red wines with moderate tannins and complementary spice notes, while beers with malty sweetness and moderate body provide refreshing contrast to the savory filling and fried pastry.

Les Lunes Carignane shines a spotlight on one of California's historic but often overlooked grape varieties. This Sonoma County offering represents the new wave of California winemaking – celebrating heritage vines and indigenous varieties rather than chasing international styles. What makes this wine special is its combination of old-vine concentration and natural winemaking sensibility. Les Lunes (The Moons) follows biodynamic principles, working with the lunar calendar – hence the name. The result is a Carignane that shows remarkable purity and energy, with that perfect balance between fruit, savory elements, and structure. It's the kind of red that can be slightly chilled on warmer days, making it incredibly versatile at the table. For those tired of the same old California varieties, this bottle offers a delicious glimpse into the state's winemaking heritage and future direction.

Santa Carolina's Reserva Carmenère showcases Chile's adopted signature grape – a variety once thought extinct in its native Bordeaux until it was rediscovered thriving in Chile, where it had been mistakenly identified as Merlot for over a century. This wine comes from the Colchagua Valley, where warm days and cool nights create perfect conditions for Carmenère to reach full ripeness while maintaining its distinctive character. The 'Reserva' designation indicates additional aging and selection of better fruit, resulting in a wine with more complexity and structure than entry-level offerings. Carmenère's unique flavor profile – somewhere between Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot but with that characteristic green pepper note – makes it instantly recognizable and perfect for those looking to explore beyond the usual suspects. It's a conversation starter that delivers serious quality for the price, proving that sometimes the most interesting wines come from unexpected places. Think of it as the perfect wine for impressing your friends without emptying your wallet.