Carménère

Carménère is a red wine grape variety of the species Vitis vinifera, originating in the Bordeaux region of France. It was widely planted there in the 19th century but nearly disappeared after the phylloxera plague and through confusion with Merlot. The grape was thought extinct outside of Chile until the 1990s, when Chilean researchers and vintners identified large plantings previously labeled Merlot as Carménère, leading to its revival. Today, Carménère is strongly associated with Chile, where it is often produced as a varietal wine and is considered a national or emblematic grape.

Vines of Carménère are late-ripening and prefer warm climates with a long growing season. Wines are typically medium- to full-bodied with deep color and moderate tannins, and they often show flavors of dark fruit such as blackberry and plum, along with herbaceous notes that can resemble green bell pepper when the fruit is underripe. Aged examples may develop earthy, tobacco, or spice characters. The wine may be aged in oak to add complexity.

In winemaking, Carménère is used in both blending and varietal wines. In Bordeaux, it has historically been used in blends with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, though today its cultivation is relatively limited there. In Chile it is commonly produced as a single-varietal wine and also used in blends. The grape is cultivated in several regions in Chile, particularly in the Central Valley, including the Maipo, Rapel, and Colchagua valleys, where warm growing conditions help it fully ripen.