Everything About Carmenere Grape
"car-men-AIR" 
Carmenere Description
Origin: Bordeaux, France
History: Carménère is one of the oldest European grape varieties, originally from the Bordeaux region of France. It was thought to be extinct after the phylloxera plague in the 19th century but was later rediscovered in Chile, where it had been mistakenly identified as Merlot. Today, Carménère is considered a flagship grape of Chile, thriving in its vineyards and producing distinctive wines.
Appearance: Medium-sized, thick-skinned, deep purple berries growing in loose clusters.
Growing Traits: Carménère is a late-ripening variety that requires ample warmth and sunshine to reach optimal ripeness. It is highly vigorous, and its lower buds are not very fertile, necessitating careful vineyard management. The grape thrives in well-drained, warm soils and is known for its deep crimson foliage in autumn.
Food Pairing Carménère's rich fruit flavors, moderate tannins, and subtle green pepper notes make it a versatile partner for a variety of dishes. It pairs well with grilled meats, spicy cuisine, and dishes featuring bell peppers or herbs. The wine's balanced acidity and smooth texture complement roasted vegetables and aged cheeses, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Body
Sweetness
Tannin
Acidity
Alcohol
Medium to full-bodied with a rich and velvety texture, offering depth and concentration. Dry, with minimal residual sugar, focusing on dark fruit and herbal flavors. Medium tannin levels, providing structure without being overly astringent. Medium acidity, contributing to balance and freshness, enhancing the wine's food-pairing versatility. Moderate to high alcohol content, typically ranging between 13% and 14.5%, ensuring balance and intensity.
Blackberry 
Plum 
Green Bell Pepper 
Spice 
Dark Chocolate Carménère wines are characterized by dark fruit flavors such as blackberry and plum, complemented by distinctive green bell pepper and spicy notes. Hints of dark chocolate add complexity, all balanced by medium tannins and acidity, leading to a smooth and lingering finish.
Regions
![[object Object] Region](/regions/chile.png)
Chile
•Central Valley
•Colchagua Valley
•Maipo Valley
![[object Object] Region](/regions/france.png)
France
•Bordeaux
![[object Object] Region](/regions/italy.png)
Italy
•Lombardy
![[object Object] Region](/regions/china.png)
China
•Ningxia
Notable Wines and Producers
Casa Silva Carménère
•Viña Casa Silva
Concha y Toro 'Terrunyo' Carménère
•Viña Concha y Toro
Montes Alpha Carménère
•Viña Montes
Carmenere FAQ
Bordeaux, France
Carmenere has a body level of 4 out of 5. Which means that Carmenere is Moderate to Full bodied.
Carmenere has a dryness level of 1 out of 5. Which means that Carmenere is Dry.
Bordeaux, France
Carmenere is grown in Chile (Central Valley, Colchagua Valley, Maipo Valley)France (Bordeaux)Italy (Lombardy)China (Ningxia).
Carménère wines are characterized by dark fruit flavors such as blackberry and plum, complemented by distinctive green bell pepper and spicy notes. Hints of dark chocolate add complexity, all balanced by medium tannins and acidity, leading to a smooth and lingering finish.
Carménère's rich fruit flavors, moderate tannins, and subtle green pepper notes make it a versatile partner for a variety of dishes. It pairs well with grilled meats, spicy cuisine, and dishes featuring bell peppers or herbs. The wine's balanced acidity and smooth texture complement roasted vegetables and aged cheeses, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Carménère wines are characterized by dark fruit flavors such as blackberry and plum, complemented by distinctive green bell pepper and spicy notes. Hints of dark chocolate add complexity, all balanced by medium tannins and acidity, leading to a smooth and lingering finish.