Carmenere - The mis-identified grape
April, 2018 Filed in: Wine varieties
Carmenere must have an identity crisis! The grape variety was widely grown throughout France, but fell out of favour because of it’s susceptibility to disease. However, it was found to be grown widely in Chile but it was grown and sold as Merlot. Everyone thought it was Merlot. However, DNA testing found it was actually Carmenere. As it turns out sometime in the 19th century Carmenere leaf cuttings were taken to Chile and propagated. Now there are more Chilean Carmenere grapes grown in Chile than France. And now in northern Italy, so called Cabernet Franc has also been found to be Carmenere. .
The wine from Carmenere can best be described as Merlot on steroids. It has many of the smooth mouth feels of Merlot but yet overall more body than a Merlot. While having more body than Merlot, it has similar body to Cabernet Sauvignon with softer tannins, good aroma and berry tastes. We highly recommend the Selection Chilean Carmenere to include in your wine cellar.
The wine from Carmenere can best be described as Merlot on steroids. It has many of the smooth mouth feels of Merlot but yet overall more body than a Merlot. While having more body than Merlot, it has similar body to Cabernet Sauvignon with softer tannins, good aroma and berry tastes. We highly recommend the Selection Chilean Carmenere to include in your wine cellar.