Embark on a joyful odyssey with Carménère, originally a Bordeaux native that found its adventurous spirit in the vibrant vineyards of Chile. This charismatic wine boasts supple red-and-black berry flavors, accompanied by herbaceous green pepper notes that dance on the palate. To add a twist to its tale, it was recently unveiled as the long-lost twin of Cabernet Gernischt, a bold red grape flourishing in the vast landscapes of China.
Known by the aliases Cabernet Gernischt and Grand Vidure, Carménère enchants with its higher levels of aroma compounds, treating the senses to subtle bell pepper, green peppercorn, eucalyptus, and even cocoa powder undertones. This grape, a slow ripener, emerges with a distinctive herbaceous and bell-pepper aroma on the nose, complemented by intense red cherry and blackberry aromas, evolving with age into hints of vanilla, smoke, leather, and earthy notes.
Serve Carménère just below room temperature to let its aromas unfold, and savor the experience with a universal or standard red wine glass, allowing the fragrances to tantalize your senses. Explore its remarkable journey from Bordeaux to Chile and China, where it not only found refuge but flourished, becoming Chile's flagship variety and gracing China with the title of the world's largest plantings of Carménère.
Pair this versatile wine with a variety of dishes, from lean grilled meats with savory sauces to Cuban-style roast pork Lechon Asado. Carménère's moderate tannins and fresh acidity make it a delightful companion for both darker white meats like turkey and duck, as well as vegetarian delights like Pinto bean Chile and white bean and kale soup.
Unearth the enigmatic side of Carménère with five intriguing facts, including its familial ties to Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, its slow ripening nature, and its unexpected relocation to Chile in the mid-1800s, where it was initially mistaken for Merlot. Today, Carménère thrives in regions like Maipo Valley, Cachapoal Valley, Peumo, Colchagua Valley, and Apalta, each offering a unique expression of this extraordinary grape.
Delve deeper into the wine's complexity, discovering the role of methoxypyrazines in creating its distinctive green personality. Witness Carménère's fascinating journey, reminiscent of a witness protection program, as it hides in plain sight disguised as Merlot in Chile until its true identity is uncovered. Across the Pacific, China cultivates vast vineyards of what they fondly call "Cabernet Gernischt," unknowingly hosting our grape with a double life, adding a spicy, earthy flair to the global wine narrative. Cheers to Carménère – a grape with a tale as adventurous and joyful as the wine it produces!