What is Chilean Carmenere?

Carménère (“car-men-nair”) is a medium-bodied red wine that originated in Bordeaux, France, and now grows almost only in Chile. The wine is treasured for its supple red-and-black berry flavors (in a similar style to Merlot) and herbaceous green peppercorn notes.

Who makes Carmenere wine?

The boldest Carménère wines come from Cachapoal and Colchagua Valley. Carménère is known to produce the boldest styles from the Cachapoal and Colchagua Valleys. The 2 most famous sub-zones within these Valleys are Apalta and Peumo in Colchagua and Cachapoal, respectively.

Where is Carmenere grown in Chile?

Colchagua Valley
Chilean Carmenere takes up 98% of all Carmenere wines produced worldwide. In Chile, it’s mainly grown in Colchagua Valley and Maipo Valley. Colchagua Valley: This is a central valley at the foot of the Andes mountains in Chile.

Should Carmenere be chilled?

The ideal serving temperature is 13°C (55°F) but you are safe all the way up to 18°C (65°F). Suggested serving temperature ranges between 15-18°C (60°F-65°F). If you just bought your wine and brought it from the store or got it delivered by postal services, chill it in the fridge for 10-15 minutes.

Is Carmenere similar to Pinot Noir?

Of these three red grapes, Pinot Noir tends to have the lightest body (that can range from light to medium). Carmenere tends to have a medium to lighter body, and Cabernet Sauvignon has medium to big body. For service temperature, Pinot Noir is best served at 14ºC, Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenere at 16–18ºC.

How did Carmenere end up in Chile?

How did Carménère Arrived to South America? Carménère arrived from Bordeaux to Chile around 1850, veiled among other grape varieties such as Merlot, and the ideal conditions of the Chilean terroir favoured its subsistence through the years.

Is Carmenere like Malbec?

On the nose, both appeared initially similar. The Carmenere had smoke, rich red/black fruit, and a concentrated note like fig. The Malbec had a more pronounced oak (similar to a fireplace, though it could just be this one producer), and the wine seemed to be more red/purple flowers than fruit.

What was Carmenere mistaken for?

In an unwitting mix up (very common at the time), Carmenère vines were mistaken for Merlot. And replanted around the country as ‘Merlot’. Over the following century, Chilean winemakers noticed that there was a great variety of ‘Merlot’ in their vineyards.

Is Carmenere dry or sweet?

DryCarménère / Sweetness of resulting wine
Carménère is a medium to full-bodied dry red wine with aromas of tobacco, leather, dark fruit, coffee, bell pepper, and chocolate.