Carmenere

Carmenere is a red wine varietal originally planted in the Médoc region of Bordeaux, France, yet now predominantly grown in Chile. It was recently discovered to be genetically identical to Cabernet Gernischt, a major red grape grown in China. Today, there are only a few hundred acres left in France. It has many taste similarities to Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. It could have become extinct if it had not been mistaken for Merlot and planted in Chile during the 19th century when Phylloxera devastated the vineyards of Bordeaux. Chile now dominates the plantings of Carmenere, with Colchagua being a well-known area for premium examples.

In Australia, three cuttings of Carménère were imported from Chile by viticultural expert Dr Richard Smart in the late 1990s. After two years in quarantine, only one cutting survived the heat treatment to eliminate viruses. It was micro-propagated and field-grown by Narromine Vine Nursery. The first vines from the nursery were planted in 2002 by Amietta Vineyard and Winery in Geelong, Victoria, which has since sadly closed, where they used the varietal in their Angels’ Share blend.

Carménère has also been established in small amounts in New Zealand. DNA testing confirmed in 2006 that plantings of Cabernet Franc in the Matakana region were, in fact, Carménère.

Aromas

Carménère’s aromatic profile is bold and inviting. Its aromas include black and red fruit aromas like raspberry, blackberry, cherry, and herbal notes of green pepper and fresh herbs. With age, it develops earthy and savoury aromas like leather and dried tobacco.

Flavours

Carménère offers a rich and intriguing flavour profile, balancing fruitiness with herbal and spice notes. Its primary flavours are raspberry, green pepper, black plum, and blackberry notes of green peppercorn and paprika. Tertiary flavours of sweet tobacco, caramel and vanilla can be found in aged wines.

Tannin and Body

It has moderate to high tannins that are typically soft and well-integrated, making the wine smooth and approachable. It is medium to full-bodied, with a rounded, velvety texture.

Cool v Warm climate

Carménère’s characteristics are deeply influenced by the climate, which can significantly alter its flavour profile and structure:

Cool-climate wines have crisp red fruit flavours like cranberry and cherry, with pronounced herbaceous and vegetal notes like green pepper and fresh herbs. Higher acidity lends a fresh, vibrant character, and firmer and more structured tannins offer a leaner mouthfeel. Coole climate wines are more restrained, with a savoury finish and a focus on herbaceous qualities. You will find these in regions like cooler areas of Chile (Maule Valley) and parts of northern Italy.

Warm-climate wines have ripe black fruit flavours like blackberry and plum, with softer herbal notes and more prominent spice. Lower acidity results in a rounder, more opulent profile, and riper and smoother tannins contribute to a plush mouthfeel. The wines are fuller-bodied, fruit-forward, and rich, often with subtle smoky or chocolatey undertones. You will find these in regions like Central Valley and Colchagua Valley in Chile.

Listed below are the wineries that produce Carmenere.

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