Carmenère

**Carmenère** is a red grape that originated in Bordeaux, where it was once part of the blend before phylloxera and difficult ripening pushed it to the margins; today it thrives in Chile, which has adopted it as a signature variety. **In the glass** — it gives a deep, purple-red wine with blackberry, plum, and a distinctive savoury streak of green pepper, tomato leaf, soy and spice, with soft-to-medium tannins and moderate acidity. **Where it grows** — Chile is now its stronghold, especially the warm valleys around Colchagua and Maipo where full ripeness tames the herbaceous edge. Smaller amounts survive in Bordeaux and appear in Italy's northeast and parts of China. **At the table** — a fine match for grilled red meats, peppered steak and hearty stews. **Cellaring** — approachable young, but the more structured examples reward five to ten years in the cellar.

Wines

• 9 Notables — Familia Geisse
• Adobe Carmenère Reserva — Emiliana
• Alpha Carmenère — Montes
• Bill Limited Edition Signature — William Cole Vineyards
• Cabernet Sauvignon Carmenere — Casa Silva
• Carmenère — Perez Cruz
• Carmenère Valle de Colchagua Reserva — Hacienda Araucano
• Carménère — Arboleda
• Carménère — Long Cellars
• Carménère Cabernet Sauvignon — CSU
• Carménère Cuvée Alexandre — Lapostolle
• Carménère Ginkgo Forest Vineyards — Ginkgo Forest Winery
• Carménère Phinny Hill Vineyard — Smasne Cellars
• Carménère Roskamp Vineyard — Smasne Cellars
• Carménère Seven Hills Vineyard — Smasne Cellars
• Carménère Three Vineyard Reserve — Smasne Cellars
• Casa Mayor Carmenere — Casa Silva
• Casillero del Diablo Reserva Carmenère — Concha y Toro
• Château Clerc Milon — Château Clerc Milon
• Château Kirwan — Château Kirwan