Definition: The Carmenere grape varietal was originally from France (the Medoc region of Bordeaux to be precise), but has since found favor in Chile, where it is grown with gusto. It is bottled as a single varietal wine and as a blend, most often with Cabernet Sauvignon.
Carmenere Color and Flavor
It is a red wine grape with intense, inky violet color. The aromas most often associated with Carmenere are tobacco, tar, leather, bell pepper, dark fruit, coffee and chocolate. The palate profile can echo the nose, but is largely dominated by cassis, cherry, blackberry, blueberry, plum, pepper, earthy nuances, vanilla and spice. It is typically a medium-bodied wine that is best enjoyed in its younger years.
What to Pair with Carmenere
Give it a go with steak, pork loin, poultry, pastas with meat-based sauce, game, grilled meat and food with spice.
Pronunciation: car-men-YAIHR
