What the heck is Carmeneré?!?

That’s a great question. Glad you asked.  And yes, you should drink it.

It is a lost Bordeaux grape that migrated to Chile in the 1800s—likely during all of the phyloxera bru-ha-ha in Europe. It likely came over with Merlot and got mixed up and for years was believed to be Merlot. Apparently, the vines and grapes look very similar. There are some distinct differences, however, which make it strange that folks closer to the business didn’t catch the “mystery grape” sooner. From a physical standpoint, Carmenere grape vines turn a vibrant red when the colors change in the fall. Carmeneré wine, while it looks very similar to Merlot in the glass, behaves differently. The Serie Riberas Gran Reserva Carmeneré is light on tannin and while I don’t think of red wines being acidic, you definitely pick up the brightness on the back sides of your tongue. This makes this Carmeneré a versatile wine when pairing with food.

Concha y Toro’s Serie Riberas (River Series) wines feature wine maker Marcio Ramírez, who worked as an assistant on the producer’s marquee Don Melchor wine. Concho y Toro’s Carmeneré is grown in their Peumo Vineyard on the banks of the Cachapoal River. The river water flowing down from the Andes has a cooling affect on the vineyard. This wine is aged 13 months in French and American oak which imparts a nice amount of smokiness and spice.

I picked this wine up at wine mega-store, Specs, for around $15. It is a very nice wine with a variety of foods from duck to pork or even by itself.

 

Composition: Carmeneré (95%), Cabernet Souvignon (5%)

Producer: Concha y Toro

Appellation: Chile – D.O. Peumo (Ribera del Cachapoal)

Appearance: dark ruby, medium body

Aroma: Smokiness and old world dirt and a touch of pruniness

Taste: Bright, dark ripe, red fruit—hints of currant with a side of old world-ish herbaceousness.