La Historia del Carmenere

Key Concepts:

• Carmenere: A red grape varietal originally from Bordeaux, France, now primarily grown in Chile.
• Filoxera: A vine-eating insect that devastated European vineyards in the mid-19th century.
• Terroir: The environmental factors that affect a crop's character, including soil, climate, and topography.
• Oenologist: A wine scientist or winemaker.
• Taninos: Compounds found in grape skins, seeds, and stems that contribute to the structure and mouthfeel of wine.
• Cosecha Tardía: Late harvest.

The Accidental Discovery of Carmenere in Chile

• In the 19th century (around 1860), Chilean winemakers imported vines from France, including Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
• For many years, what was believed to be Merlot was produced and even won international awards.
• In 1995, a French ampelographer (vine expert) identified that the "Merlot" was actually Carmenere.
• This came as a shock, as Chile had been producing, exporting, and winning awards for this "Merlot" for about 100 years.

Carmenere's History and Adaptation

• Carmenere is a French varietal from Bordeaux that was wiped out by the phylloxera plague in the 1850s-1860s.
• France chose not to replant Carmenere because it did not adapt well to the Bordeaux terroir.
• However, Carmenere thrived in Chile, mistakenly planted as Merlot.
• After the identification, Chilean winemakers began to separate and purify Carmenere plants.
• Chile's soil, climate, and generous sun proved to be ideal for Carmenere, allowing it to flourish better than in France.

Carmenere's Commercial Cultivation and Importance in Chile

• Initially, Carmenere was blended with Cabernet Sauvignon.
• Over time, winemakers began to produce pure Carmenere wines.
• Today, Carmenere is the second most important varietal in Chile after Cabernet Sauvignon.
• It has been widely planted and has achieved great results.

Vineyard Practices and the Purple Angel Wine

• The video showcases a Carmenere vineyard at Viña Montes.
• Carmenere is a late-ripening varietal.
• The winemaker waits for the leaves to turn completely red before harvesting, indicating full maturity.
• Harvest typically occurs in the first week of May.
• This particular block of Carmenere is used to produce Purple Angel, a highly regarded Chilean wine.

Carmenere's Unique Characteristics

• Carmenere has a distinctive spicy aroma, with notes of black pepper and tobacco smoke.
• It has soft tannins, creating a smooth and pleasant mouthfeel.
• The wine is described as having layers of aromas, including olive, black pepper, and smoky tobacco.
• It is a complex yet approachable wine that pairs well with rich and flavorful dishes.

Food Pairing Suggestions

• Carmenere pairs well with dishes like Wagyu beef and lamb.
• It complements foods with a certain intensity that can stand up to the wine's character.

Conclusion

The story of Carmenere in Chile is a tale of mistaken identity that led to the discovery of a varietal perfectly suited to the Chilean terroir. What was once considered an error has become a source of pride and a significant contributor to the Chilean wine industry. Carmenere offers a unique flavor profile and has gained recognition and appreciation from consumers worldwide.