Grapes · Red grape
Carmenère
Chile's signature red. Long mistaken for Merlot in Chilean vineyards, Carmenère was only identified in 1994. Late-ripening, with a distinctive green, peppery edge.
On the nose
Young wines (primary aromas)
- red and black plum
- blackberry
- green bell pepper
- paprika
- black pepper
- herbs
Oak & winemaking (secondary)
- vanilla
- chocolate
- smoke
With bottle age (tertiary)
- tobacco
- leather
- cocoa
- earth
On the palate
Dry, medium to full body, medium acidity and medium, soft tannins. Ripe dark fruit with a savoury, herbaceous and spicy character.
Tasting tip
Soft tannins plus a clear note of roasted bell pepper or paprika — think Chile and Carmenère.
Often confused with
Merlot (no green pepper), Cabernet Franc (more red fruit, leafy), Cabernet Sauvignon (firmer tannins).
Where it grows
- Chile — Colchagua, Cachapoal, Maipo