If you're seeking a unique and flavorful red wine, look no further than our Carmenere wine collection! With its bold flavors and deep, rich color, Carmenere is a wine that will captivate your senses and elevate any occasion.
Carmenere is a red grape variety originally from Bordeaux, France, but it has found its true home in Chile. Known for its deep color, smooth texture, and distinctive flavor profile, Carmenere is often described as a wine that combines the structure of Cabernet Sauvignon with the spice and earthiness of Merlot. It is a wine that offers rich, fruity flavors balanced with herbal and peppery notes, making it a standout choice for those looking to explore new flavors in red wines.
The flavor profile of Carmenere includes bold red fruit flavors, such as blackberries, plums, and cherries, often accompanied by earthy undertones, green bell pepper, and hints of spice. This grape tends to have softer tannins compared to other full-bodied reds, offering a smoother, more approachable drinking experience. Many Carmenere wines also have a subtle smoky or tobacco-like quality that adds to their complexity.
Carmenere is a versatile wine that pairs well with a wide range of foods. It is particularly great with grilled meats, barbecued dishes, hearty stews, or even sharp cheeses, making it a great choice for meals with bold flavors.
Here’s an overview of Carmenere from different regions:
Chile: Carmenere truly shines in Chile, where the grape variety was rediscovered in the 1990s after being thought extinct. Chile’s warm climate and diverse terroir, combined with the country's focus on sustainable viticulture, have allowed Carmenere to flourish. Carmenere wines from Chile are known for their smooth texture, rich fruit flavors, and a hint of green bell pepper and spice, with some bottlings also showcasing smoky or earthy undertones. These wines pair beautifully with grilled meats, empanadas, or rich stews.
Argentina: While not as widely grown as in Chile, Carmenere is also cultivated in Argentina, where it produces wines with a more approachable, fruit-forward style. Argentine Carmenere wines often have lush blackberry, plum, and raspberry flavors, with a softer profile than their Chilean counterparts. They’re perfect for pairing with pasta dishes, pizza, or charcuterie.
France: The original home of Carmenere, France, is where the grape first gained popularity in Bordeaux before being nearly wiped out by phylloxera. However, small plantings of Carmenere can still be found in Bordeaux and other regions of France, where it is typically blended with other Bordeaux varietals like Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. These wines tend to have a more structured, tannic profile, with flavors of dark berries, tobacco, and spice.
Australia: Carmenere is making a name for itself in Australia, particularly in regions like the Adelaide Hills and the Hunter Valley. Australian Carmenere tends to have a fruitier profile, with ripe berry flavors and hints of black pepper and herbs. These wines are often full-bodied with soft tannins, offering a smooth and enjoyable drinking experience, great with grilled meats, BBQ, and hearty pasta dishes.
Whether you’re new to Carmenere or a longtime fan, our collection offers a wide variety of expressions from different regions. Explore our collection today and discover the bold and distinctive flavors of this unique red wine!