This month’s Red Reserve Club explores two warm-climate regions shaped by a powerful cooling influence. Bonpas Grand Cartulaire comes from Vacqueyras in France’s Southern Rhône Valley, where abundant Mediterranean sunshine is tempered by the fierce Mistral wind. TerraNoble CA2 Costa Carménère comes from the western reaches of Chile’s Colchagua Valley, where breezes from the Pacific Ocean slow ripening and help preserve freshness.
Bonpas Grand Cartulaire is a classic Southern Rhône blend led by Grenache, with Syrah and Mourvèdre contributing color, structure, and savory complexity. Grown on a sun-drenched plateau of clay, sand, limestone, and rounded stones, the wine combines ripe black fruit with gentle spice, wild herbs, and the supple texture associated with Vacqueyras.
The 2021 TerraNoble CA2 Costa takes us to the coastal hills near Lolol, where Carménère develops more slowly than it does in the warmer interior of the Colchagua Valley. The cooler conditions preserve the grape’s herbal and peppery character while producing dark fruit, polished tannins, and impressive concentration.
Together, these wines demonstrate how warm-climate reds can retain balance when cooling winds moderate the growing season. One reflects the Mediterranean landscape through Grenache and the wild herbs of the Rhône, while the other reveals a fresher, more savory side of Chile’s signature Carménère.
Club members can sample all four bottle club selections and pick up their wines at the pick up event on Tuesday, September 8th, 2026 or at Curio for the remainder of September.