Carménère
Carménère (/kaʁ.me.nɛʁ/) is a red grape variety originally from the Bordeaux region of France, now most closely associated with Chile. The name derives from the French word carmin (crimson), in reference to the deep red colour of its foliage in autumn.[1]
Background
Carménère was historically one of the six red varieties permitted in Bordeaux blends, valued for its colour and aromatic contribution.[2] Following the phylloxera epidemic of the 19th century, the grape was largely abandoned in France due to its difficulties with ripening and disease.
In Chile, Carménère was long confused with Merlot, until ampelographic and DNA studies in the 1990s confirmed its true identity.[3] Its rediscovery gave Chile an emblematic variety, distinct from the Bordeaux model. Small plantings also exist in northern Italy and China, though Chile remains its primary home.[4]
Characteristics
The variety ripens late and requires a warm, dry growing season. In cooler conditions, Carménère can display high levels of methoxypyrazines, producing herbal or green pepper notes.[5] When fully ripe, wines are deeply coloured, with moderate tannins, supple texture, and flavours of red and black fruits, spice, and cocoa.
Viticulturally, Carménère is sensitive to coulure (poor fruit set) and needs careful site selection to achieve consistency. The warm valleys of central Chile, particularly in regions such as Colchagua and Maipo, have proven especially suitable.[6]
Use in winemaking
Although still used as a blending component in some Bordeaux-style wines, Carménère is most often bottled as a varietal in Chile, where it has become a national signature.[7] It is frequently blended with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and occasionally Syrah to add complexity.
In the international market, Carménère wines are recognised for offering a distinctive expression of Chilean terroir, balancing ripe fruit with savoury herbal elements. Experimental plantings outside South America remain small but demonstrate the variety’s potential in suitably warm climates.[8]
See also
References
- ↑ Robinson, Harding & Vouillamoz, Wine Grapes, HarperCollins, 2012.
- ↑ Robinson (ed.), The Oxford Companion to Wine, Oxford University Press, 2015.
- ↑ Pszczolkowski, El Carménère en Chile, Ediciones Universidad Católica de Chile, 2000.
- ↑ Johnson & Robinson, The World Atlas of Wine, 8th ed., 2019.
- ↑ Robinson (ed.), The Oxford Companion to Wine, Oxford University Press, 2015.
- ↑ Johnson & Robinson, The World Atlas of Wine, 8th ed., 2019.
- ↑ Pszczolkowski, El Carménère en Chile, Ediciones Universidad Católica de Chile, 2000.
- ↑ Robinson, Harding & Vouillamoz, Wine Grapes, HarperCollins, 2012.