All about Carménère

Appearance

  • Color: Carménère wines typically exhibit a deep ruby to purple color, often with inky hues.
  • Opacity: High opacity, indicating a wine with a dense concentration of pigments and flavors.

Aroma

  • Primary Aromas: Dominant aromas include blackberries, plums, raspberry sauce, and dark cherries.
  • Secondary Aromas: Notes of green bell pepper, black pepper, and spices such as paprika, reflecting the grape’s characteristic methoxypyrazine profile.
  • Tertiary Aromas:With aging, Carménère can develop complex aromas such as tobacco, leather, chocolate, and a hint of earthiness or smokiness.

Flavor Profile

  • Fruit Flavors: Predominantly dark fruit flavors like blackberry, black cherry, and plum.
  • Other Flavors: Notes of green bell pepper, black pepper, chocolate, tobacco, and sometimes a smoky or earthy quality.
  • Oak Influence: Carménère is often aged in oak barrels, which can impart flavors of vanilla, chocolate, and subtle spice, adding complexity to the wine’s profile.

Structure

  • Body: Medium to full-bodied, offering a lush and velvety texture on the palate.
  • Tannins: Medium to high tannins, providing a firm structure that supports aging.
  • Acidity: Medium acidity, which helps balance the rich fruit flavors and adds freshness.
  • Alcohol: Ranges from 13.5% to 15%

Join the club

Get this varietal often & more delivered to your doorstep when you join our wine club!

Classic Series Wine Club Membership
Classic Series Membership
From $39
From $39
classic wine of the month club subscription box
Vintners Series Membership
From $42
From $42
Limited Series Wine Club Membership
Limited Series Membership
From $52
From $52

Pairings for Carménère

Grilled Meats
Grilled Meats

Grilled Meats

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Chilean Cuisine
Chilean Cuisine

Chilean Cuisine

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Spicy Dishes
Spicy Dishes

Spicy Dishes

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