Carmenère Descriptions

Description 1 of 2

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 were made with what had been called “Merlot.” IN other words, Merlot that was the same, but different. In 1994, French oenologist Jean Michel Boursiquo, did his research and discovered that this “different Merlot” was in fact Carmenère, pretty much extinct now in France, but happily thriving in Chile. After this came to light, Carmenère became known as Chile’s signature varietal, and has caught on in other parts of the world.

Characteristics of the grape: dark, tannic, rich, blackberry, dark cherry, blueberry, sage, rosemary, dark chocolate, espresso, tobacco.

Regions where the grape is currently important: Chile, California, Washington, Australia, New Zealand.

Type or types of wines the grape produces: intense, dry, red wine ~Amanda Schuster

– Description from Amanda Schuster

Description 2 of 2

(aka. Cabarnelle, Carbouet, Carmenelle, Grande Carmenet, Grande Vidure)

Carmenere is a rediscovered grape variety that’s beginning to make waves in California. Eclectic producers, such as Guenoc, are blending Carmenere with Bordeaux grapes such as Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot as part of traditional Meritage blends. Forgotten for over a century, Carmenere had become a viticultural dinosaur. But then Carmenere was found anew growing abundantly in Chile. Brought there in the 1850s before the ravages of the great phylloxera epidemic in Medoc and Graves, it has remained bug free in Chile ever since. Due to a similarity in appearance of the vines, Carmenere was often mistaken for Merlot. There have been exciting results from wines made from Carmenere in Chile. The success of these wines could help Chile, a country without an identifiable varietal leader of its own, establish some market distinction. Historically in Bordeaux, Carmenere was very important, as it added roundness of texture, color and character. It suffered greatly during the great phylloxera epidemic in Europe. If that wasn’t its final demise, low yields and susceptibility to oidium certainly were. The name Carmenere comes from the most intensely crimson (Carmon) hue of the wines made from the grape.

Banished from your homeland, you hid from society for over a century under a dark cloak of mystery. Finally, you have emerged from your exile in Chile to reclaim your rightful position as a part of a noble family. In this South American country you have firmly established your strength of character, as one of its emerging leaders of industry. This success and your noble character have sparked interest in 'royal crazed' California. Even some Bordelaise have welcomed you back to join them on some esteemed family estates. – Description from Appellation America (view original content)

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