Carmenere is characterized by its spiced, herbal and fruit flavours such as cherries, raspberries, pomegranates and blueberries. While its herbaceous character translates into notes of roasted red pepper, tomato leaves and fresh bell peppers, when the wine is aged in oak it also acquires aromas and flavours of dark chocolate and coffee. This wide range makes it a versatile wine when it comes to bringing it to the table, although its distinctive smoky note makes it a natural companion to grilled dishes.

1- Tomato based dishes.

Due to those aromas that are reminiscent of the tomato leaf, Carmenere goes particularly well with dishes that contain an important presence of tomato. They can be from Spaghetti a la Putanesca (with anchovies, capers, olives and tomato), Amatriciana (with black pepper, dry chili, pancetta and tomato) to a classic Bolognese, or Stuffed pasta with some grilled vegetable. As well as Legume stews in which you use Passata (crushed tomato) or even pizzas. If tomato predominates, a wine like Casillero del Diablo Carmenere 2018 will be an excellent companion.

2- Roasted meats.

 

Due to their tannic structure, those wines such as Carmín de Peumo 2017 pair very well with oven-baked meats (better if it is made of clay, giving a hint of smoke). Dishes such as Beef Brisket (or Chilean Plateada), Lamb with mint sauce or Pork ribs with bbq sauce are pairings that do not fail.

3- Highly spiced dishes.

 

Due to its spiced character, Carmenere perfectly matches those intense preparations, which include tons of spices and dressings, such as Indian Food. Lentil Dahl, Tandoori Chicken, Lamb Massaman Curry, Panner Tikka or Samosas, could be perfectly accompanied by a glass, or more than one, of Gran Reserva Serie Riberas Carmenere 2018. If you want something smoother, Spanish chorizo, sausages and charcuterie in general with mature cheese, will also work as a treat with this grape variety.

4- Chilean cuisine.

 

We could say that this is a regional pairing. Although traditional Chilean cuisine is not so spiced, it is substantial and there are dishes that naturally pair wonderfully with Carmenere. The Pino (beef) Empanadas, Pastel de choclo (sweetcorn and beef pie), Pork Ribs with spicy mashed potato or Choripán with pebre, to name a few. The next time you prepare one of these dishes, we invite you to uncork a bottle of Terrunyo Carmenere 2018 and try it.

5- Bbq dishes.

Due to its smoky notes and big but soft tannins, Carmenere works very well when accompanied by dishes made on the bbq, especially lean meats such as Sirloin steaks, or some cuts of Pork and Lamb. Due to its spiced character, the pairing becomes even better if you use herbaceous sauces like a Chimichurri. If you’ve already lit the grill, take advantage of grilling and add smoky notes to your vegetables too. Do you need a wine suggestion? Why not to try it with Marques de Casa Concha Carmenere 2018.