Carménère – The Immigrant

  • A little-used Bordeaux blending grape
  • Introduced to Chile in 1850s and has become Chilean signature grape as varietal
  • Late-ripening, does well with Chilean Central Valley’s long growing season
  • Deep red wines, aromas of red berry, spice, smoky, chocolate, soft tannins
  • Best consumed young
  • When not fully ripened, herbaceous, with aromas and flavors of green bell pepper (result of pyrazines)
  • Ripeness brings out cherry notes and spice with leather and tobacco, smoke and cocoa, a savory wine that goes well with “umami” foods
  • Aging in wood tends to add a mushroom-like earthiness