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Carmenere Wine

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  • Vina Ventisquero Queulat Carménère 2021-Red Wine-World Wine

    Vina Ventisquero Queulat Carménère 2021

    $29.16
    or $27.70 in case of 12 bottles.
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  • Vina Ventisquero Reserva Carménère 2022-Red Wine-World Wine

    Vina Ventisquero Reserva Carménère 2022

    $23.33
    or $22.16 in case of 6 bottles.
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  • Vina Ventisquero Reserva Carménère 2022-Red Wine-World Wine

    Vina Ventisquero Reserva Carménère 2022

    $23.33
    or $22.16 in case of 12 bottles.
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  • Inama Carmenère Più IGT 2021-Red Wine-World Wine

    Inama Carmenère Più IGT 2021

    $41.66
    or $38.53 in case of 12 bottles.
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  • Almaviva 2018-Red Wine-World Wine Almaviva 2018-Red Wine-World Wine

    Almaviva 2018

    $573.19
    or $544.53 in case of 6 bottles.
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  • Almaviva 2019-Red Wine-World Wine

    Almaviva 2019

    $573.19
    or $544.53 in case of 6 bottles.
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  • Almaviva 2020-Red Wine-World Wine

    Almaviva 2020

    $473.22
    or $449.56 in case of 6 bottles.
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Originally cultivated in the vineyards of Bordeaux, France, Carmenere found its true home in the sun-drenched valleys of Chile. For a time, it was mistaken for Merlot due to its similar appearance, but DNA testing in the late 20th century revealed its true identity. Today, Carmenere stands as Chile's emblematic Originally cultivated in the vineyards of Bordeaux, France, Carmenere found its true home in the sun-drenched valleys of Chile. For a time, it was mistaken for Merlot due to its similar appearance, but DNA testing in the late 20th century revealed its true identity. Today, Carmenere stands as Chile's emblematic varietal, differentiating itself with a unique profile that is both robust and aromatic. The grape's distinctive characteristics shine through in its wines—vibrant red hues, tantalizing aromas of ripe berries, complemented by hints of green pepper and soft tannins. Its adaptability to various climates and soils in Chile has enabled winemakers to craft wines with diverse flavor profiles, ranging from fruit-forward to more complex, earthy undertones. Carmenere, with its rich history and evolving narrative, invites wine lovers to embark on a sensory journey that bridges the old world with the new. read more... less

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Carmenere Wine?
Carmenere was once a popular grape in its ancestral home, Bordeaux. Still, the phylloxera outbreak of the late 19th century obliterated the red variety. By that time, the French varietal had already been planted in Chile, but no one knew Carmenere had been growing in the South American country until 1994, when DNA testing proved a large amount of Merlot planted in Chile was actually the long-lost Carmenere — the grape instantly became the country’s flagship grape. Let’s talk about Carmenere, its characteristics and the wines made from it. Even today, Chile is the only reliable source for such a historical grape variety.

What Are the Most Popular Carmenere Wines?
Carmenere might be a French varietal, but it is now quintessentially Chilean. The most influential wines made with the red grape come from de valleys of Aconcagua, Maipo, Cachapoal and Colchagua, all a few miles from the country’s capital city, Santiago. The country’s reputable producers, like Ventisquero and Concha y Toro, make the most popular Carmenere wines. Still, many iconic wines in Chile are blends of Bordelaise varietals, like Almaviva and Seña, and they include meaningful amounts of Carmenere. Like all classic Bordeaux varietals, Carmenere is best when blended with other grapes.

What Are the Most Popular Carmenere Wines?
There are two main types of Carmenere. On the one hand, you have mono-varietal wines, those made exclusively with Carmenere. These wines often display black fruit, black pepper, spices and a signature herbaceousness on the nose and palate. On the other hand, you have Bordelais blends made with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Carmenere. These blends are more complex, and the Chilean grape’s herbal notes are less noticeable. It is understood that these wines are often cellar-worthy and highly prized in the local and international markets.

Are Carmenere Wines Expensive?
Carmenere is not necessarily an expensive grape. Many low and mid-tier wines made with the grape are easy to find and are very pleasing. In fact, the quality-price ratio for wines made with Carmenere, as it happens with most wine from Chile, is very favorable. The most memorable wines made with Carmenere can be pricier, whether mono-varietals or blends. These wines are meant to age, and they are complex, with endless layers of flavor and aroma. Expect to pay more for high-end Carmenere but less than what you’d pay for high-end wines from other countries, such as France, Spain, the USA or Italy.

What Are the Best Carmenere Wines?
The best Carménère wines not only offer a taste of what the little-known grape can do, but they can also compete with any structured red wine and come out on top. Carmenere is not dissimilar to wines made with Cabernet Sauvignon or the ubiquitous Bordeaux blends. Still, the South American red grape is unique. To taste what this noble varietal has to offer, browse our collection of Carmenere wines at World Wine. Carmenere offers a refreshing alternative to the same-old red wines on the market.
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