The Road Linds Travels

About thirteen years ago, I was dining at one of my favorite Italian restaurants in Manhattan’s Lower East Side when I was served a particularly palate-pleasing red wine from South Africa. This wine was Carménère. I was so surprised by its taste that upon returning to Los Angeles, I made sure I special ordered a couple of bottles just in time for the Thanksgiving dinner I was hosting. Carmenere had become my new favorite vino.

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With International Carmenere Day every year on November 24th, I thought it would be an opportune moment to share some history, interesting information, and fun facts about my favorite red varietal. Also, if you’re looking for a unique wine to bring to your next holiday meal (i.e., Hanukkah, Christmas, New Years Eve, Kwanzaa, etc.), look no further than Carmenere. Or, peruse The California Wine Club for small-production delicious finds to grace the holiday table and inspire “Cheers” in every direction. Their website even offers fun food and wine-pairing tips and recipes for a double dose of inspiration!

CARMENERE CHRONICLES

Carmenere is a red wine grape variety that originally hails from the Bordeaux region of France. However, it is now most closely associated with Chile, where it has found a particularly suitable climate and terroir. The grape was thought to have been largely wiped out in Europe due to the phylloxera epidemic in the 19th century, but it was rediscovered in Chile in the 1990s. This led to a resurgence of interest in Carmenere, and it has since become one of Chile’s signature grape varieties.

CARMENERE CHARACTERISTICS

Below are some key characteristics and aspects of Carmenère:

• Flavor Profile: Carménère wines are known for their deep color and rich, full-bodied flavor profile. The wines often exhibit dark fruit flavors, such as blackberry and black cherry, along with herbal and peppery notes. Some expressions may also display characteristics like chocolate or tobacco.
• Tannins: Carmenere wines typically have moderate to high tannin levels, contributing to their structure and aging potential. The tannins are often smooth and ripe, providing a velvety texture to the wine.
• Herbal Notes: One of the distinguishing features of Carmenere is the presence of herbal and green pepper notes in the flavor profile. This can be reminiscent of green bell pepper or eucalyptus.
• Climate Preference: Carmenere grapes thrive in a warm climate and have found an excellent home in the Central Valley of Chile. The long growing season and ample sunlight in this region contribute to the development of the grape’s distinctive flavors.
• Food Pairing: Carmenere wines pair well with a variety of foods. Their bold flavors and moderate acidity make them suitable companions for grilled meats, especially beef and lamb. The herbal notes can complement dishes with herbs and spices.
• Chilean Carménère: While Carmenere is grown in other regions, Chile is by far the largest producer. Chilean winemakers have worked to understand and enhance the unique characteristics of Carmenere. The result is a wine so distinctive and representative of the country’s terroir.

FUN FACTS

• Lost and Found Grape: In 1994, it came to light that approximately half of the grapevines believed to be Merlot in Chile were, in fact, Carmenere. This “lost and found” aspect adds an intriguing historical dimension to this thriving wine. Once identified, winemakers began to focus on cultivating and producing Carmenere wines, leading to its resurgence in popularity.
• Herbal Identity: One of the distinctive features of Carmenere is its pronounced herbal character. This wine often exhibits green pepper, eucalyptus, and other herbal notes in its flavor profile. This unique characteristic sets it apart from other red wine varieties and contributes to its allure for wine enthusiasts.
• Late Harvest: Carmenere grapes are known for their late ripening, requiring a longer growing season than some other red grape varieties. This late harvest contributes to the development of complex flavors and structured tannins in the wine.
• Chilean Star: While Carmenere has a history in Bordeaux, it has truly found a home in Chile. The country has embraced Carmenere as one of its signature grape varieties. It is now the largest producer of Carménère wines globally. The grape has adapted well to the Chilean climate, contributing to this region’s unique expression of the varietal in wines.

HAPPY INTERNATIONAL CARMENERE DAY

In celebration of this unique grape, November 24th is recognized as International Carmenere Day. This day provides an opportunity for wine enthusiasts like you and me to explore and enjoy Carmenere wines. So, when you’re sipping on a tall, mouth-puckering chalice, I mean glass, of Carmenere this holiday season, take time to reflect on the grape’s history, characteristics, and significant presence in the Chilean wine industry, where wineries often host special events, tastings, and promotions to mark the occasion.

Carmenere can be difficult to find, especially at your local grocery store. Your best bet would be online, at a neighborhood boutique wine shop, or Total Wine. And while you’re out shopping, be sure to pick up some ingredients for the stuffed peppers and grilled lean meat with a chimichurri sauce to pair with the Carmenere. You won’t be sorry. Now, I gotta get back to prepping Thanksgiving dinner. Happy holidays and cheers!