Carmenère

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Name of varietal: Carmenère

Common synonyms: Grand Vidure, Biturica

Parentage of the grape: might be offspring of Cabernet Sauvignon (Vidure is its synonym)

History of the grape: Carmenère was once widely planted in Bordeaux’s Medoc for its deep color and unique gaminess. It was most often used for blending with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot as well as other grapes since it added a rich depth of flavor and structure to the wines. However, it needs a lot of sunlight and can be very difficult to maintain, so it was all but wiped out in Bordeaux during the late 19th century Phylloxera crisis and not replanted. Meanwhile, before Phylloxera struck, many Vitis vinifera vines were exported to Chile, where the pest never took hold. Carmenère became widely planted there, but due to similar shared characteristics, it was long assumed to be Merlot. However, distinctions had been noticed between what was most definitely Merlot and other wines which Read more »

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Mentor for Carmenère Wines

Jake Pippin

Wine marketing and education professional with Wines of Chile and a native Oregonian with a love of wine old and new. I am wine geek and traveler with an unquenchable desire to explore the world of wine one region and country at a time.

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Popular Regions for Carmenère View all

Castilla y León

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Maipo Valley

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Valle Central

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Central Valley

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Chile

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Maule Valley

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Curico Valley

To the north of Itata, but just 200km South of Santiago, is the Curico Valley, a large, diverse...

Popular Wineries using Carmenère

Bodegas Naia

Located on the left bank of the river Duero, this winery dedicates itself to the production of hi...
Bodegas y Viñedos Valtravieso

The first vines were planted on the ‘La Revilla’ estate in 1985. The first vintage, Valtravieso C...
Finca Villacreces

Finca Villacreces benefits from its unique location where vineyards, woods and the tranquil ri...
Bodegas Aura

DOMECQ BODEGAS is the largest quality wine maker and exporter in Spain and the leading name in ...
Bodegas Emina

In order to produce the Emina wines, the grape has been carefully selected from the very best est...
Hacienda Monasterio

Haclenda Monasterio was set up on a 113 hectares estate 70 of them with vineyards located betwee...

People getting updates on Carmenère Wines

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Carmenère on Snooth

June 2013

Viña Maipo Carménère Valle del Maule 2012

Snoothrank:

Great wine for the price. Very smooth Read More

Wine review by adri23ana
June 2013

Pacifico Sur Rose of Carmenere

Snoothrank:

No written review

Wine review by minervasowl
May 2013

Trio Merlot Carmènère Cabernet Sauvignon 2010

Snoothrank:

No written review

Wine review by rodrigolopezb
May 2013

I am a big fan of Carmenere, and really appreciate the way the fruit and savory flavors of a well done Carmenere pair with beef. Not just any beef, mind you. What comes to mind is a beautiful sirloin steak from grass-fed beef grilled over a hardwood fire. The steak should not be a monster; not so thick that one needs to really char it to get it ... Read More

From the article Carmenere: The Other Red Meat Wine
May 2013

Calcu Cabernet Sauvignon 2009

Snoothrank:

Ripe plum, black fruit, combined with herbal and smoky notes that give it depth. The palate has lots of cassis and tar, finishing with dry tannins. Drinking nicely now. Read More

Wine review by Craig Bilodeau
May 2013

Casillero del Diablo Reserva Carmenere 2011

Snoothrank:

Earthy plum on the nose, cocoa, plum and bright berry flavors with a black pepper bite, nicely balanced, and smooth finish to add to the luxurious mouthfeel. Read More

Wine review by Kovas 50 States Of Wine
May 2013

Carta Vieja Carmenere 2010

Snoothrank:

nice nose of cherry, plum and spice.... on the palatte offers nice notes of pepper with a decent finish. Read More

Wine review by mikespeer
May 2013

Montes Carménère Colchagua Valley Purple Angel 2006

Snoothrank:

This wine has been brooding in my cellar for about 4 years and I am not a believer in antipodal wine longevity. Perhaps I should change that opinion for this sanguineous wine is holding strong at age 7 years with notes of cassis on the nose followed by semi-sweet blackberry and bitter almond on the palate. Very mouth filling medicinal and warm... Read More

Wine review by zufrieden
May 2013

Aromo Estate Bottled Maule Valley 2009

Snoothrank:

A bit dank and carob like on the nose with softly vegetal aromas that recall dusty old books along with wet forest floor and a hint of mint. Smooth on entry, yet fairly bright, this shows off a nice blend of herbal red currant fruit and earthy and nutty oak notes in the mouth. There's a bit of vanilla that creeps in on the backend that gives thi... Read More

Wine review by Gregory Dal Piaz
May 2013

Calcu Carmenère 2010

Snoothrank:

A bit tight on the nose with slow to emerge floral, oak and red fruit aromas that turn rather woodsy and savory Rather well balanced in the mouth this shows integrated acids and soft tannins supporting simple herb, ash, cafe au lait and allspice inflected wild berry fruit that has a slightly creamy texture. The finish shows a fair amount of wood... Read More

Wine review by Gregory Dal Piaz
Aug 11, 2011

I Love Caliterra Carmenere Reserve. 9.50 euros Greece

Comment by 585930ZOI TSATSOU 585930
Aug 10, 2011

Apaltagua has a wonderful Camenere. I love it's rustic flavorful fruitiness.

Comment by 901944gwendolyn corgan 901944
May 1, 2011

Carmerere Reserva 2009 best dinner wine with a Roast or Grilled Lamb Chops!!!

Comment by 463975indy49 463975
May 1, 2011

delicious dinner wine !

Comment by 463975indy49 463975
Aug 31, 2010

We enjoyed Laura Hartwig's Carmenere 2005 at our Club last week. It was rich bodied, smooth with a hint of pepper and berry flavor.

Comment by 568831kalalie 568831
Apr 8, 2010

Yes I love the 2007 Santa Digna Carmenere Miguel Torres Reserve

Comment by 91400Diane B 91400