All About the Chilean Carménère

Carménère

Carménère is an old Bordeaux grape variety, from the Cabernet family. Having almost disappeared from its region of origin, it has found refuge in Chile where it was confused with Merlot until 1994. Since then, this variety has been massively planted to constitute one of the emblematic wines of the country.

Where is it found?

Since Carménère was identified in Chile in 1994 by two French scientists, the Chileans, proud of this "indigenous" variety, have planted it massively in the Central Valley. Rather capricious and late ripening, this variety is more at home in the warm valleys of Colchagua, Curicó and Maule than in Bordeaux. It is increasingly vinified on its own, but is also blended with other Bordeaux varieties.

the main producers of carmenere?

Concha y Toro, Hacienda Araucano, El Grano

Appearance:

Carménère gives intense, deep, purple colour.

Nose:

Rich in aromas of black fruits (blackberry, blackcurrant) and red fruits (cherry, strawberry jam), spices, liquorice, sometimes menthol. Carménère often expresses notes of pepper, sometimes of undergrowth, damp earth or mushroom aromas.

Palate:

Carménère produces wines in Chile that are rather easy to drink, smooth and generous in their fruity, spicy and vegetal flavours. The tannins are often smooth and not very pronounced. The best wines are well balanced and attractive because of their fleshy nature and fruitiness. When blended with Cabernet Sauvignon, the wines can be denser and more structured, capable of ageing for several years. On the other hand, wines made from Carménère, which are harvested too early or with excessive yields, lack charm, with strong vegetal accents.

Service temperature:

16°C.

Ageing potential:

2 to 3 years for most of the wines, but up to 10 to 15 years for the best cuvées.