Terrunyo: The Purest Expression of Chilean Carmenere

On World Carmenere Day, we invite you to celebrate this emblematic grape variety, which has found its true identity in Chile and, in the Peumo terroir of the Cachapoal Valley, the ideal setting to reveal its full potential, giving rise to the country’s first ultra-premium wine made from this variety. 

The wine world celebrates Carmenere today, one of the most iconic red grape varieties globally, not only for its exceptional quality but also for its fascinating history. Hidden for more than a century, Carmenere was rediscovered in Chile around 30 years ago, reaching its fullest expression—especially in the Peumo terroir of the Cachapoal Valley—resulting in wines that reflect the unique character of this variety. 

This November 24, we celebrate World Carmenere Day, paying tribute to this iconic grape with Terrunyo Carmenere, one of the most distinctive labels in Concha y Toro’s high-end portfolio, which reveals the purest and most faithful expression of the variety. 

Peumo: The Heart of Chilean Carmenere 

Originating from the Bordeaux region in France, this variety was thought to be extinct following the phylloxera outbreak that devastated Europe in the 19th century. For many years it was mistaken for Merlot, until it found a unique identity in Chile—particularly in the Peumo vineyard, now recognized as one of the best origins for producing Carmenere in the country. 

Located in the Cachapoal Valley, Peumo is Concha y Toro’s oldest vineyard, where the company has nurtured its Carmenere vines for over 100 years, planted from carefully selected Bordeaux vines brought from France before the variety’s rediscovery in the 1990s. 

The exceptional conditions of the Peumo vineyard, its temperate microclimate and nutrient-rich, clay-loam soils—allow for optimal ripening of Carmenere, producing expressive, world-class wines. 

Chile’s First Ultra-Premium Carmenere 

From this exceptional terroir, specifically Block 27, comes Terrunyo Carmenere, Chile’s first ultra-premium Carmenere. Situated 170 meters above sea level, this block produces elegant, fresh, and complex wines, establishing itself as the undisputed benchmark of variety in the country. 

Since its first vintage in 1998, Terrunyo Carmenere has expressed the variety’s distinctive character in a pure and authentic way, becoming the standard and embodying the essence of what a great Carmenere should be. 

“Terrunyo Carmenere stands out for its intense expression, deeply rooted in the variety. It comes from a block that creates a special mystique, with deep soils and higher clay content than other areas, giving it power, vigor, exuberant spices, and spectacular energy on the palate. It is a fresh, vibrant wine that faithfully reflects its terroir,” says Marcio Ramírez, winemaker at Viña Concha y Toro and Terrunyo. 

From the beginning, Terrunyo has set the standard in main international rankings, recognized for its quality and winemaking consistency. It has been named Chile’s Best Carmenere three times by Wine & Spirits and four times by the prestigious Descorchados Guide. 

On this International Carmenere Day, we invite you to enjoy Terrunyo Carmenere: a wine of international prestige that combines authenticity and a unique identity in every glass.