Carmenère

Crimson Leaves

Carmenère is a wine grape variety that originates from Bordeaux, France. The Romans especially adored this wine. The name Carmenère comes from the word carmin, which means crimson, an ode to the reddish shade the leaves of the vine turn during autumn. Carmenère is a cross of Cabernet Franc and Trousseau Noir. Its family consists of the following members:

• Cabernet Franc
• Trousseau Noir
• Trousseau Gris
• Hondarribi Beltza
• Cabernet Sauvignon

Though it was originally grown in France, in the current present day, it is mostly grown in Chile, followed by Italy, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand. The production of Carmenère in France is more or less non-existent now, given the unsuitable weather and growing conditions for the plant.

Carmenère (Crimson)

The fruit of this grape variety is quite sensitive and needs to be grown with the utmost care. That being said, Carmenère does not do well in cooler seasons and in spring as it has difficulty in ripening.

The plant thrives in warmer climates, with an ample amount of sunshine. The soil should be well-balanced; it should neither be too fertile or not fertile at all. Clay-based and sandy soils work best for the plant. Carmenère best ripen in soils that don’t have the water retention ability.

Carmenère Taste Profile

The wine consists of a distinct and unique blend of flavors and aromas and is easily identifiable. A few of its qualities are listed below:

Colour

The wine is deep red, with hints of purple.

Flavors & Aromas

The more dominant flavors of Carmenère are raspberry, green bell pepper, plum, green peppercorn, and vanilla. It also has distinct notes of raspberry sauce, sour cherry, and granite-like material. Aromas include tobacco, leather, dark fruit, coffee, and chocolate.

Spice

This wine may usually include blackberry and peppery spice flavor and a distinct, smoky aroma.

Taste

The wine is surprisingly dry, with medium-bodied tannins.

Wine Structure

Carmenère’s wine structure reveals medium level acidity, medium-dry sweetness, abv of 13%-14%, softer tannin structure, and medium to full body.

Other properties

• Oak: American oak barrels
• Age ability: Most Carmenère wines are not built to age gracefully, and should be consumed within 2-3 years.
• Other flavors: Licorice, wet leaves, tobacco, cola, caramel, clove
• Serving temp: Cool (61 °F | 15 °C)

Hallmarks taste profile

The typical Carmenère wine is mildly acidic, has gentler tannins, a full-body, and raspberry, plum, and vanilla flavors.

Common regions to find Carmenère’

• Chile - Maipa Valley
• China - Shandong Province
• Italy - Friuli
• Argentina
• France
• United States

Summary

The Carmenère wine is more on the affordable side and tastes quite similar to Merlot. The vine and fruit production is quite low, which results in highly concentrated Carmenère grapes. Though it may tend to have a bitter aftertaste, its medium level acidity and gentler tannins make it easier to pair it up with dishes. Carmenère can be enjoyed with grilled meats, savory sauces, mint, roasted meats (with lean fat), mozzarella cheeses, and stuffed peppers.