Carménère is a unique and often overlooked wine that has a rich history and distinct taste. In this article, we’ll delve into the origins of Carménère, its flavor profiles, and how it adapts to different climates around the world—from South America’s sun-drenched valleys to the cool vineyards of Washington and the historic regions of Europe. Join us as we uncover the story behind this fascinating wine and its global journey.
At Cellar Beast, we have partnered with the family-owned Pontin del Roza Vineyard in the Yakima Valley of Washington for exclusive rights to their 47 year old Carménère vines. At the optimal time for harvest, the team handpicks these delicate grapes and entrusts the talented refrigerated truck delivery drivers to land them safely with our wine making crew. Recently, the Pontin del Roza team has grafted new Carménère to older Petite Verdot vines through bud and stick grafting techniques in the exact proportions to produce our award-winning Dark Angel. We look forward to many more years of partnership with the Miller Family!
The Origins of Carménère
I began working with Carménère about ten years ago, which is when the amazing pink peppercorn notes complimented by green pepper skins profiles began occupying my daily thoughts. A producer in the Colchagua Valley of Chile had an outsized impact on my wine making style for this varietal wine, although the full story of Carménère begins long before this.
Our journey begins in the vineyards of Bordeaux, France, where Carménère was once a prominent grape variety. In the 18th and early 19th centuries, it was a key component for wine growers in Bordeaux blends, cherished for its deep color and rich, spicy flavors. However, the phylloxera epidemic in the mid-19th century nearly wiped out Carménère vines in Europe. Many vineyards were devastated, and the grape was believed to be lost for over a century.
But as fate would have it, Carménère found a new home far from its French origins. In the late 20th century, the grape was rediscovered in Chile, where it had been mistakenly identified as Merlot. DNA testing revealed its true identity, and Carménère made a triumphant comeback. Today, it’s celebrated as Chile’s signature grape, but its cultivation has spread globally.
Carménère in South America
Chile: Chile is the modern-day epicenter for growing Carménère. The Maipo Valley, Colchagua Valley, and Rapel Valley are renowned for producing exceptional Carménère wines. The warm, dry climate and fertile soils provide ideal conditions for this grape, allowing it to reach full ripeness while retaining its characteristic acidity.
Tasting Notes: Chilean Carménère typically shows deep ruby hues with aromas of ripe blackberries, plums, and a hint of green pepper—a signature note of this grape. On the palate, you can expect a lush, velvety texture with flavors of dark black fruit, black pepper, and a touch of smokiness. The tannins are smooth, and the finish is long and satisfying. The signature green pepper skin notes are preserved here, wine makers in other regions may choose to downplay these notes and instead push for more fruit forward notes in their winemaking process.
Argentina: While not as dominant as in Chile, Carménère is also grown in Argentina, particularly in regions like Mendoza. Here, the grape benefits from high-altitude vineyards, which provide cooler nights and greater diurnal temperature variation.
Tasting Notes: Argentine Carménère tends to be more structured with firmer tannins and a spicier profile. You’ll find flavors of black cherry, red bell pepper, and tobacco, with a mineral undertone reflecting the Andean soils.
Carménère in Washington
In the United States, Washington State has embraced Carménère with enthusiasm. All the prominent growing regions of Washington have set upon planting acreage of this powerful variety. With each regions unique combination of sunny days and cool nights, they provide an excellent environment for this grape.
Tasting Notes: Depending on the winemaking techniques, Washington Carménère can showcase a balance between New World fruitiness and Old World elegance. Or new world power with old world silkiness. Expect well rounded fruit aromas in younger vintages whilst always, mingling with earthy notes, peppery and herbal notes. On the palate, it offers a balanced acidity, refined tannins, and flavors of black currant, grilled pablano pepper, dusty white pepper, and mocha.
Carménère in Europe
France: Although it’s rare, Carménère is making a quiet comeback in its native Bordeaux and other parts of France. Here, it’s often blended with other Bordeaux varieties like Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Tasting Notes: French Carménère is typically more restrained and elegant, with an emphasis on structure and complexity. It offers subtle notes of red and black currant, dried herbs, and pencil shavings, with firm tannins and a sophisticated finish.
Italy: Particularly in Veneto and Friuli, Carménère has been gaining popularity. The Italian approach often highlights the grape’s earthy, spicy characteristics.
Tasting Notes: Italian Carménère is vibrant and aromatic, with flavors of sour cherry, black pepper, and Mediterranean herbs. It has a medium body with a refreshing acidity, making it a versatile pairing with Italian cuisine.
Enjoying Carménère: Tips and Pairings
Carménère is a versatile grape that pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Here are some suggestions on pairings to elevate your dining experience:
- Chilean Carménère: Pair with grilled meats, lamb, and hearty stews. The smoky, spicy notes complement the richness of these dishes.
- Argentine Carménère: Enjoy with Argentine asado, beef empanadas, or roasted vegetables. The wine’s structure and spice balance well with these flavors.
- Washington Carménère: Serve with lamb lollipops dredged in dijon and herbs, or mushroom risotto. The wine’s structure and firmness enhance these dishes.
- French Carménère: Pair with duck confit, cassoulet, or aged cheeses. The wine’s elegance and complexity shine with these classic French dishes.
- Italian Carménère: Enjoy with pasta bolognese, pizza, or grilled vegetables. The wine’s herbal notes and acidity complement Italian flavors beautifully.
Bringing Carménère Home
Now that you’re well-versed in the history and nuances of Carménère, it’s time to visit our wine shop, peruse the availability of wine through our delivery service partner and bring this exceptional Cellar-Worthy wine into your own collection with many delivery options at a convenient delivery time. At Cellar Beast, we’re proud to offer a selection of Carménère wines with the flagship being Dark Angel, a multiple double gold award-winning wine which was rated at 97 points in the Sunset International Wine Competition in Sonoma, CA.
Conclusion
Carménère is a remarkable example of how a dramatically lost wine has found its way back to the light. Its unique characteristics – its capacity to thrive anywhere and deliver wines of rare complexity – make it an essential addition to your wine tasting. We invite you to sample the vineyard’s Carménère today. Contact the winery team directly to arrange pick up or shipping. Or, for a deeper understanding of Carménère’s history and terroir (and taste them as well) consider booking a private event. The Cellar Beast team will be delighted to host your guests in a magnificent setting at the winery.
Our two signature blends which feature Carménère are Dark Angel (which is a blend with 5-10% Petit Verdot depending on the vintage) and La Bête (which is a Carménère heavy blend complimented by Cabernet Sauvignon and/or Petit Verdot in previous vintages, but we view this product line as a way to showcase Carménère in different and exciting new ways).
Raise a glass to Carménère, and let’s celebrate the rich tapestry of flavors this extraordinary grape has to offer. Cheers!
About Cellar Beast:
Our talented team of winemakers and sommeliers have expertly curated a superb selection of dry wines, which are guaranteed to redefine your palate with rich flavors from Pennsylvania's premier producer. Our wine campus features a unique assortment of bottles of wine, particularly French varieties, complimented by elevated customer service with weighted customer awareness, which sets us apart in an area mostly known for its sweet wines. Joining a tasting with our celebrated team is like participating in an immersive wine course; it’s designed to thrill your taste buds, deepen your appreciation of aromas from primary to complex, engage you in blind tastings with our sommeliers, and help you fully savor the premium wines bearing the Cellar Beast emblem. Also explore your own custom-printed wine bottle labels and alcohol delivery service through a few delivery methods.
We also offer exclusive selections of alcohol to customers, including sparkling wines, red wines, and white wines, to our wine club members and wine lovers, raising your expectations of wine quality and even offering customized alcohol gift delivery. Our wine shop has favorable shipping policy ensures a smooth experience, low and friendly delivery fees, with shipping compliant with 38 states' availability of alcohol delivery laws to your delivery address with detailed shipping rates. Vinoshipper is our alcohol delivery partner that provides fast average delivery times at the lowest cost of shipping. Cellar Beast's Dark Angel has earned prestigious accolades, including Double Golds and Best in Class, at multiple prestigious wine competitions.
