Carmenère: A Look At Chile's Signature Grape

Carmenère has had a rocky reputation over the years. It is a thick skinned grape that requires a longer than usual growing season in a sun-drenched, dry growing region. Although it originates in France, the conditions were simply not harsh enough for this grape to achieve the fullness of its expression. However, Carmenère found ideal growing conditions in Chile. Once winemaker understood the grape and its needs it has blossomed into the "signature grape of Chile." So let's raise a glass to toast this illustrious grape in honor of National Carmenère Day.

Carmenère is one of the six original Bordeaux grapes. However, in the mid nineteenth century as phylloxera spread throughout Bordeaux Carmenère was all but wiped out. Because it was difficult to grow, winemakers replaced Carmenère with Cabernet Sauvignon. At the same time, in 1851 Carmenère was brought to Chile from France; however, it was believed to be Merlot. It was not until 1994, when Chilean winemakers discovered the grape they believed to be a variation of Merlot was in fact Carmenère. Today, Carmenère thrives in Chile.

Wines of Chile describes Carmenère: The warming spice and berry notes of Carmenère couldn't be more appropriate for a November wine. Not only does it match the autumnal month in style, but Carmenère Day also falls on November 24th. Carmenère Day commemorates the day that Carmenère was first discovered in Chile, and rediscovered in the world, in 1994. Chile's own signature grape, this red varietal disappeared from European vineyards in the mid-19th century and reappeared among Chile's Merlot vines a hundred years later. The deepest, darkest, purplest of all red grapes needs a long growing season to reach its fullest potential. Rich in berry fruits and spice (think blackberries and black pepper), with smooth, well-rounded tannins, making this a very pleasing and easy to drink varietal. Enjoy it with red meats and corn-based dishes, such as Chile's favorite pastel de choclo (corn and meat pie), or take advantage of its natural fruity spiciness and serve it up with Indian curry or a Mexican mole.

Colchagua Valley is home to most Chilean Carmenère because it possesses the ideal climate the grape desires. It is warm and dry, and cooled by ocean breezes from the Pacific, offering redemption from a latitude that is closer to the equator than any European vineyard.

To honor the rediscovery of Carmenère 20 years ago, Wines of Chile launched #CarmenereDay to be observed on November 24 each year. The timing is great because not only does Carmenère pair well with fall cuisine, it is also a lovely wine to enjoy with Thanksgiving.

Here are six Carmenère to get you started on enjoying this wine all winter long.

2012 La Playa Axel Carmenère Colchagua Valley Chile ($18): 85% Carmenère, 15% Malbec; medium+ ruby; pronounced aromas of black cherries, blackberries, plums, black raspberries, menthol, baking spice, tobacco, dark chocolate, trailing barnyard; palate more subtle than nose; fresh and clean with lots of bright fruit, medium tannins and acidity, balanced, full-body yet reserved, long spicy finish.

2014 Calcu Reserva Especial Carmenère Colchagua Valley Chile ($14): 88% Carmenère, 10% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot; deep ruby; medium aromas that lead with herbaceous notes, baked blackberries, cherries, and plums, crushed violets, baking spice, dark chocolate, licorice; silky mouth-feel, elegant with nice lift, has a more feminine feel; medium tannins and medium+ acidity, lots of spice in middle and back palate, full body, long spicy finish

2013 Montes Alpha Carmenère Colchagua Valley Chile ($20): 90% Carmenère; 10% Cabernet Sauvigon; deep ruby; pronounced aromas of baked black cherries, plums, blackberries, baking spice, licorice, black pepper; eucalyptus, dusty earth; loads of spice on the palate, lively and concentrated, medium+ tannins and acidity, a big wine that delivers a long spicy finish.

2015 Concho y Toro Marques de Casa Concha Carmenère Cachapoal Valley Chile ($25): 87.5% Carmenère, 12.5% Cabernet Sauvignon; deep garnet; pronounced aromas of dark plum, cherry, currants, dried roses and savory herbs, dusty cocoa, and tobacco; full-body wine, bold on the palate, medium+ grippy tannins and pronounced acidity that coats the palate in a long finish.

2015 Concho y Toro Gran Reserva Serie Riberas Carmenère Cachapoal Valley Chile ($17): 95% Carmenère, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon; deep ruby, pronounced aromas of baked red cherries, red plums, rhubarb, and cranberries, baking spice, violets, red licorice, black pepper, cocoa, tobacco, forest floor; silky on the palate, elegant and refined for modern wine consumer; medium tannins and acidity, approachable yet full body with a long finish.

2015 Concho y Toro Casillero del Diablo Reserva Carmenère Central Valley Chile ($11): 100% Carmenère; deep ruby; pronounced aromas of stewed plums, blackberries, cherries, currants, baking spice, dried herbs, ground espresso, blackcurrant leaf, dusty earth; crushed velvet on the palate, smooth and slightly vegetal on the palate, integrated medium tannins and acidy, also refined for modern consumer, full body, long finish.