Native to Bordeaux, this black variety was rediscovered in Chile in 1994 and has since has been planted widely around the country. In warm climates, its grapes deliver elegant medium-bodied wines with surprising aromas.

Green bell pepper

In some red wines like Carmenère there is a very easy to recognize aroma: green bell pepper. It is responsible for an aromatic component called pyrazine, which is found naturally in the grape cluster, but decreases as the grapes ripen. That is why the harvest point of the Carmenère is key, so the aroma of green bell pepper or its vegetal character (which can also be reminiscent of the aroma of tomato leaves) can appear, but without being very intense, since for some it could be considered a negative characteristic. 

Cherries and blackberries

Among the fresh fruit aromas that this grape presents, sour cherries, blackberries and berries stand out. These are generally more intense when the Carmenère is harvested ripe. These aromas can be identified in Terrunyo Carmenère, an intense, pure wine, where aromas of blueberries and berries predominate. This rich concentration of fruit, with blackberry aromas, is also found in Carmín de Peumo.

Dark chocolate

When Carmenère is matured in oak barrels to soften its tannins, they can give the wine aromas of dark chocolate, coffee, tobacco and even earthy aromas that can remind us of leather. An example? Casillero del Diablo Carmenère, whose notes of ripe fruits are complemented by touches of chocolate, coffee and toast. In any case, this variety can also be vinified without oak aging.

Clove

After the aromas of fresh fruit, a second layer of secondary aromas appears which, in the case of Carmenère, are characterized by their spiced character. Notes of cloves, cinnamon or black pepper are common to perceive, which is why this wine usually pairs very well with spicy dishes. Black pepper and white pepper are two aromas present in Gran Reserva Carmenère, a wine that thanks to these characteristics pairs exquisitely with typical Chilean food.

 Violets

Another aroma that appears in Chilean Carmenère, although it is not distinctive of this variety, are the floral notes. In the case of Chile, specifically, there are several Carmenère that enchant with their violet aromas, as is the case with Marques de Casa Concha Carmenère. While in Terrunyo Carmenère it is possible to identify aromas of dried flowers.