The cellar index

WineCollection 20

Carménère

Dark fruit and a distinctive peppery, herbal accent in a supple red.

Origin & traditionChile & its Bordeaux origins

Character & context

Understanding Carménère

Carménère has become closely associated with Chile after a history of being confused with Merlot. It is its own variety, often showing plum, berries and green or roasted pepper notes. Ripeness and site strongly affect that herbal signature. Look for a coherent wine rather than expecting either pure fruit sweetness or a complete absence of green character.

Further reading: Wine Folly — Carménère

Read related observations