Carménère is a grape that came back from extinction. The French thought it was all gone after the sneaky pest called phylloxera wiped out most of Europe’s vineyards in the XIX century…
Remember that pesky Phylloxera? Well, it didn’t hit Chile. All vines are planted on original rootstock from France before the pest hit. Rediscovered in the 90s in Chile, considered as their signature variety and call it ‘Jurassic Park’ grape. Winemakers began to craft interesting wines with it and the grape quickly got the attention of wine lovers around the globe. You will find it grown in Maipo, Rapel and Curico Valleys.
Rapel Valley is home to Cochapoal and Colchagua sub-regions where the boldest carménère are made, thrives in the long growing season with warm to hot climate cooled by the sea breeze from nearby Pacific Ocean and irrigated by light rains and the Tinguiririca River.
Colchagua Carménères are often ripe with rich raspberry sauce aromas along with a distinct green peppercorn herbal note. Pure varietal Carménère made at optimal ripeness will have a cherry-like, fruity flavour with smoky, spicy and earthy notes and a deep crimson colour. The palate might have prominent dark chocolate, tobacco, and leather notes…
