Table of Contents
Wine 101 The Fascinating Carménère
Discover the journey of Carménère, Chile’s signature grape, from its Bordeaux roots to flourishing in the South American sun. Unravel the grape’s mistaken identity, rich flavors, and ideal pairings that make it a celebrated gem in the world of wines.
Carménère in 60 Seconds
- Recognized as Chile’s signature grape, Carménère embodies the spirit of the country’s winemaking.
- Mistaken as Merlot in Chile until 1994, the grape found its true identity and distinction.
- Thriving in the Colchagua Valley, Repel Valley, and Maipo province, Carménère boasts a prime presence.
- DNA analysis reveals its lineage, tracing back to the esteemed Cabernet Franc.
The Origins of Carménère
- Born in Bordeaux, Carménère, a distant relative of Merlot, played a dual role in blending and as a single varietal.
- Struggling in the French climate, it faced extinction after the Phylloxera plague of 1857.
- A stroke of luck brought a few Carménère cuttings to Chile just before the plague, finding a hospitable home.
- Initially confused with Merlot, it wasn’t until 1994 that its true identity was unveiled, gaining official recognition in 1998.
What Carménère Tastes Like
- A medium-bodied red wine, Carménère exudes red fruit and berry aromas, with careful harvesting for optimal ripeness.
- Under-ripe grapes offer intense bitter and herbaceous notes, while fully ripe ones showcase concentrated red cherry and black plum flavors.
- Whether aged in oak or not, Carménère delights with aromas of dark chocolate, tobacco, and earthy nuances.
- Most varietal Carménère is best consumed young, with a price range from $20 for entry-level to $40-$50 for premium bottles.
- D.O. regulations allow blending with up to 15 percent other varieties, commonly Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Petit Verdot.
Foods To Pair With Carménère
- Ideal for everyday dishes, Carménère’s higher acidity and medium tannins make it a versatile companion for meats.
- Pair with barbecued pork, roast chicken, or elevate the experience with herb-crusted seasonings or a peppercorn marinade.
- Its subtle bitter notes complement vegetarian dishes; try sautéed kale with garlic and chili oil or add it to bean-laden soups.
10 Facts about Carménère
- Carménère stands as Chile’s signature grape, embodying the nation’s winemaking prowess.
- Mistaken as Merlot until 1994, Carménère underwent a revelation, asserting its unique identity.
- Thriving in specific Chilean regions, including the Colchagua Valley, it holds a prominent presence.
- DNA analysis traces Carménère’s lineage back to the esteemed Cabernet Franc.
- Born in Bordeaux, Carménère played a dual role, initially facing extinction after the Phylloxera plague.
- A stroke of luck brought Carménère cuttings to Chile just before the plague, securing its survival.
- Confused with Merlot for much of the 20th century, scientists officially recognized Carménère in 1998.
- Carménère offers a medium-bodied experience with red fruit, berry aromas, and careful harvesting nuances.
- Under-ripe grapes yield intense bitter and herbaceous notes, while fully ripe ones showcase concentrated flavors.
- Ideal for everyday dishes, Carménère’s versatility extends to both meat-centric and vegetarian pairings.
Since you made it here…Interesting Wines to try
2019 Bouchaine Hyde Vineyard Merlot Carneros – Napa Valley
- The legendary Hyde Vineyard unveils a brilliantly structured Merlot
- Ripe tannins dominate, yet irresistibly approachable in its early evolution
- Sarsaparilla, cola spice, and cigar humidor dance with black licorice
- Layers of plum sauce, blackberries, cassis, and black raspberries unfold
- Scrubby herbs emerge with perky acidity, keeping the experience lively
- Immerse yourself in the world of wine with Hyde Vineyard’s masterpiece
- Elevate your tasting experience with this captivating Merlot
2019 Chappellet Merlot Napa Valley
- Inky richness, bursting with toasty cacao, espresso, and grilled vanilla
- Silky mouthfeel framed by sweet, integrating tannins
- Spiced plums, cassis, and bright acidity lingering through a blueberry-kissed finish
2019 Cuvaison Arcilla Merlot Los Carneros – Napa Valley
- Pure evocation of strawberries with evolving tea-like tannins
- Flavors of blackberry, black raspberry, and smashed blueberry
- Notably savory with hints of carob, mineral, black licorice, and plum sauce layers
2019 Duckhorn Three Palms Vineyard Merlot Napa Valley
- A beautiful expression with sweet tannins and well-integrated oak spicing
- Hoisin sauce, cassis, violets, and candied orange peels
- Sandalwood, floral peppercorns, espresso beans, warm vanilla, and loam
2019 L’Ecole No. 41 Merlot Walla Walla Valley, Washington
- Estate-grown brilliance structured for mid-term aging
- Ripe red berry fruit and cherries finding counterpoints in dusty tannins and carob
- Minerality pulsing through each sip, delivering a brilliant wine experience
2019 La Jota Vineyard Co. Howell Mountain Estate MerlotNapa Valley
- A classic effort from winemaker Chris Carpenter with astounding mountain-grown grapes
- Age-worthy tannins allowing notes of licorice, granite, cacao nibs, and well-steeped tea to shine
- Cardamom and violets lingering through the long, elegant finish
2020 Macari Vineyards Merlot North Fork of Long Island
- A spicy and fascinating expression, dominated by crushed peppercorns
- Remarkably translucent, revealing red cherries, raspberries, and toasted fennel seeds with oak spice
2018 Meeker Winemakers’ Handprint Collection Merlot Sonoma County
- Lifted and well-delineated, expressive of black raspberries, ripe cherries, and goji berries
- Loamy earthiness, sarsaparilla-dusted tannins, and a bay-leaf note creating an intriguing wine experience
- Elegant yet powerful, structured for cellaring or enjoying now with grilled meat
2019 Mt. Brave Merlot Mt. Veeder, Napa Valley
- Toasty, rich, and brooding, a wine rewarding patience
- Notes of blackberry liqueur, kirsch, cassis, purple plums, and cardamom promising complexity
- Impressive balance and structure with graphite-like tannins and singed laurel nuances
2019 Northstar Premier Merlot Columbia Valley, Washington
- Velvety texture, ripe with a counterbalancing punch of acidity
- Crushed blackberries and mulberries, vanilla, clove, and toasty oak through the finish
- A stellar example of what the wine variety does best in the Columbia Valley
2019 PlumpJack Estate Winery Merlot Napa Valley
- A toasty, modern, crowd-pleasing beauty with rich, chocolatey notes
- Plums, blackberries, and cassis lifted by candied violets
- Aging potential of five to seven years, but delightful fruitiness makes it enjoyable now
2019 Ridge Vineyards Estate Merlot Santa Cruz Mountains
- Shining with the character of the venerable Monte Bello Vineyard
- Cedar, incense, brambly berries, elegant balance, and beautifully calibrated acidity
- Promising another ten to fifteen years of life ahead
2019 Rutherford Hill Winery Merlot Napa Valley
- Silky and herbaceous, less fruit-forward than typical Napa Merlot
- Layers of black and red raspberries, cherries, and chocolate with lively mineral finish
- A solid value delivering a unique wine experience for less than $30
- Estate-grown Merlot marked by toasty oak, cafe mocha notes, and woodsy spices
- Silky tannins, density, and underlying pulse of minerality providing real energy
- A captivating wine experience with impressive aging potential
2020 Seven Hills Winery Seven Hills Founding Vineyard Walla Walla Valley, Washington
- Fruit-forward Merlot from a vineyard planted in the early-1980s
- Underlying bergamot note with nuances of sage, oregano, and cracked peppercorns
- Sweet tannins lingering through flavors of red and purple plums and huckleberries
2018 St. Supéry Estate Vineyards and Winery Rutherford Estate Vineyards MerlotNapa Valley
- Rich, chocolatey aromas of hoisin sauce and spiced blackberry liqueur
- Balanced acidity with minerality, hint of dried herbs, and fantastic kirsch finish
2019 Vérité La Muse
- One of the most intriguing and appealing new-release Merlots
- A balance of perfume and depth with red currants, raspberries, cherries, plums, graphite, and hints of tobacco and sandalwood
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