Wine Encyclopedia/Red Grapes/Carménère
Red WineBordeaux, France

Carménère

Also known as: Grande Vidure

Once a major Bordeaux grape, Carménère was thought extinct after phylloxera until rediscovered in Chile in 1994. It has become Chile's signature variety, producing rich, herbaceous wines.

BodyMedium
AcidityMedium
TanninsMedium
SweetnessDry
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For over 100 years, Chilean winemakers thought they were growing Merlot until DNA testing revealed it was Carménère.

👃 Tasting Notes

Primary Flavors

PlumBlackberryCherry

Secondary Flavors

Green pepperCoffeeSpiceSmoke

Aromas

Red bell pepperHerbsDark chocolate

🌍 Famous Wine Regions

Colchagua Valley

Chile
Chile's flagship

Premier region for complex, age-worthy Carménère

Maipo Valley

Chile
Traditional style

Classic region producing structured wines

Rapel Valley

Chile
Fruit-forward wines

Warm climate, ripe fruit character

Cachapoal

Chile
Premium expressions

Elegant, refined style

🍽️ Perfect Food Pairings

Grilled steak
Empanadas
Roasted peppers
Black bean dishes
Beef stew

🌡️ Serving Guide

Temperature

16-18°C (61-65°F)

Glass Type

Bordeaux glass

Decanting

30 minutes

Aging Potential

3-10 years

All Grape Varieties