Have you tried Carménère before? It may be famous now in Chile, but did you know this grape actually originated in Bordeaux? Yep, this wine variety has a seriously interesting history, including a case of mistaken identity! So in this Carménère wine guide, we’re going to dive into the wonderful world of this medium-bodied red wine, known for its supple red and black berry flavours. This guide will give you everything you need to know about this fantastic yet not so well-known grape variety.
Carménère wine guide
- Name: Carménère
- Pronounced: Car-men-nair
- Type of wine: Red
- Body: Medium
- Tannin: Medium
- Acidity: Medium-High
- Flavours: Raspberry, Plum, Pepper, Green bell pepper, Vanilla
- Pairs with: Roast pork, beef brisket, lamb stew
Carménère is a popular red wine grape in Chile, but it originated in Bordeaux. In fact, along with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot, Carménère is considered one of the 6 original red grapes of the French region. It is often blended with other varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot but makes plenty of delicious single varietal wines. They are usually similar to Merlot, but with greater intensity of fruit and spice.
Origin of Carménère
Carménère was once popular in the Medoc district in Bordeaux. It is a member of the Cabernet family of grapes, and its name originates from the French word for crimson (carmin), which refers to the brilliant crimson colour of the autumn foliage prior to the leaves falling. Unfortunately, the grape was unhappy in the cool climate of Bordeaux and was more prone to the attack of aggressive aphids than other grape varieties. Local wine growers decided to replace it with other varieties as it was too difficult to grow. Eventually, it was presumed effectively extinct.
But it was still alive! Lucky for the grape (and us), some Bordeaux varieties, including Carménère, arrived in Chile from Bordeaux around 1850. These grapes arrive a few years prior to the Phylloxera Plague that devasted Bordeaux in the late 1800s. They had been purchased by noble Chilean families who wanted to recreate the style of wine they had in Europe, and the mixed cuttings were planted together in vineyards established for Bordeaux red or white.
These Bordeaux grapes dominated Chilean vineyards for many years and slowly winemakers started to identify the varieties. However, Carménère was identified as Merlot due to similarities in leaf and grape bunches. A case of mistaken identity began.
The resurgence
When the Chilean military dictatorship became a matter of the past, investors decided to finance the Chilean wine industry in the 1990s. It was then that the country got a good chance at producing wines worthy of great praise. Winegrowers managed to separate grape varieties and wanted to produce quality single-variety wines for the international market, and produced ‘Merlot Chileno’ as a blend of Merlot Grapes.
It wasn’t until French ampelographer Jean-Michel Boursiquot visited Chile in 1994 to host two conferences. One of the students invited him to visit the Vina Carmen vineyards she was working at, and he was taken to look at the vineyards including ‘a new plot of Merlot’. It was then that Carménère was rediscovered in a groundbreaking moment for the Chilean wine industry. Renewed interest for this rediscovered grape gave it room to breathe and flourish. The results achieved by winemakers inspired Rene Merino, the President of Wines of Chile to declare Carménère Chile’s flagship variety in 2010.
Flavour profile of Carménère
Carménère is medium-bodied with medium acidity and soft, round tannins. Most Carménère wines have striking aromas of raspberry, plum, cherry and herbaceous notes such as green bell pepper. They also have notes of smoke, spice and earthy notes of dark chocolate, tobacco and leather.
Carménère is very similar to Merlot but with greater intensity of flavour. It can also be likened to other varieties such as Cabernet Franc, Valpolicella and Sangiovese. Its lack of tannins back it perfect for drinking young as opposed to cellaring.
Where you’ll find Carménère
Most Carménère is from the Central Valley of Chile, which is the largest wine-producing zone in Chile. This region contains several regions known for Carménère, including Colchagua Valley. When looking at wines from Chile, keep the following labelling terms in mind:
- D.O. Wines: Chile’s wine classification system defines regions, sub-regions, zones, and areas as D.O. (Denomination of Origin) to identify the origin of the grapes, so those labels with DO mean 85% of the grapes must come from the defined origin.
- Estate Bottled: This term means that the winery and winery’s vineyards are in the same D.O.
- What does Reserva, Gran Reserva, etc., Mean?: Reserva, Gran Reserva, Gran Vino, Reserva Especial, Reserva Privada, Seleccion, and Superior are allowed on Chilean wine labels but don’t really have specific definitions or quality requirements like those of France and Italy. Make sure you read the wine’s label to learn more.
Outside of Chile, there are small plantings of Carménère in other countries such as Australia and New Zealand. However although this grape originated in Bordeaux, the vast majority of plantings are in Chile where it is capable of producing high-quality red wine at affordable prices.
What to pair with Carménère
Carménère is a great food wine that goes with many different cuisines. Its acidity produce makes it perfect for pairing with higher acidity sauces such as Mexican cuisine. Spice profiles in the tasting notes also make it beautiful when paired with roasted or BBQ meats. But the lower tannin also means it is great when paired with lighter, less fatty dishes.
The subtext? This food wine is great to have around as the perfect all-rounder.
Summary: Carménère wine guide
I hope this Carménère wine guide has helped shed some light on this lesser-known yet incredible grape variety. With a past filled with mistaken identity and near extinction, the fact that this grape thrives today, producing high-quality, food-friendly and affordable wines is a miracle. So next time you’re looking for something to go with a good meal, why not look out for a bottle of Chile’s flagship variety!