Carmenere
Often called the lost grape of Bordeaux because it used to be one of the grapes that could be made into a red Bordeaux blend, this variety virtually disappeared from France. It showed up in Chile about 1990 when ampelographers determined that Chilean Merlot, which was traditionally quite spicy and green peppery was actually Carmenere.
While many Chileans ripped up their Carmenere vines, some persevered and turned it into what is, arguably, Chile’s signature grape variety. Careful work in the vineyard and later picking is required to tame the variety’s naturally high pyrazines, which give a noticeable green pepper or tomato leaf aroma. Carmenere gives wines of deep red color and aromas found in red fruits, spices and berries. The tannins are gentler and softer than those in Cabernet Sauvignon and it is usually medium-bodied.
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Terranoble Carmenere Andes CA1 2021
The CA project is an exploration into the different expressions that Carmenere can have in Chilean terroirs. Winemaker Ignacio Conca teaches enology at the University of Santiago and this is a project he undertook with his students. Grapes were picked at its maximum of maturity to keeps all its aromatics potential.
$53.95 -
Terranoble Carmenere Costa CA2 2021
The CA project is an exploration into the different expressions that Carmenere can have in Chilean terroirs. Winemaker Ignacio Conca teaches enology at the University of Santiago and this is a project he undertook with his students. Grapes were picked at its maximum of maturity to keeps all its aromatics potential.
$53.95 -
Terranoble Carmenere Reserva Especial 2022
Terranoble is considered one of Chile’s true ambassadors for the Carmenere varietal. This is a very complex Carmenere for the price, with a rich and balanced combination of fruit and oak. On the nose, red berries, black berries, plums, paprika, smoke and toasted aromas come through. Juicy on the palate, with cherry and chocolate notes in combination with toasted oak. This wine is well structured and full-bodied with smooth tannins and a long finish.