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Carménère

Medium-to-full red

Carménère: taste & food pairing

Say it: car-men-YAIR

Chile’s rediscovered grape: plum and cherry with green peppercorn and paprika spice. Smooth, savory and very good value.

BodyLightFull
SweetnessDrySweet
AciditySoftCrisp
TanninSmoothGrippy
AlcoholLowHigh
Tastes likered plum, black cherry, green peppercorn, paprika, cocoa
Alcohol13.5-14.5%
Serve at60-65°F (16-18°C)
GlassRed wine glass
Decant?Optional
What to payGreat value from $10

Carménère was a Bordeaux grape that nearly vanished after phylloxera, then turned up in Chile in the 1990s, long mistaken for Merlot. Today it’s Chile’s calling card: smooth, savory and spicy.

Best food with Carménère

Italian & takeoutTacos & Mexican food Rosé · Malbec · Albariño MeatBurgers Zinfandel · Malbec · Syrah / Shiraz MeatBBQ ribs Zinfandel · Syrah / Shiraz · Petite Sirah VegetarianGrilled vegetables Sauvignon Blanc · Rosé · Cabernet Franc Spicy & AsianIndian curry Riesling · Gewürztraminer · Viognier

How it tastes

Red plum and black cherry with green peppercorn, paprika, herbs and cocoa. The best versions balance ripeness with that savory spice.

Food it loves

Spiced and smoky dishes: tacos al pastor, grilled peppers, burgers and even mild curries with plenty of cumin.

Buying tips

Look for Colchagua or Cachapoal on the label. Many excellent bottles cost under $15.

Where it’s grown

Chile (Colchagua, Cachapoal)

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If you like Carménère, try…

Medium-to-full redMerlot plum · black cherry · chocolate · bay leaf · soft vanilla Medium-bodied redCabernet Franc raspberry · red currant · bell pepper · graphite · violet Full-bodied redMalbec plum · blackberry · cocoa · violet · sweet tobacco Full-bodied redCabernet Sauvignon blackcurrant · black cherry · cedar · tobacco · vanilla (from oak)