According to Jancis Robinson, et al., in Wine Grapes, Carmenère comes originally from the Gironde, a prefecture in Bordeaux. In the mid-nineteenth century it arrived in Chile where it was planted as a field blend with Merlot, and its identity became confused. DNA analysis in 1997 confirmed Carmenère’s identity. So, though it may have been born in Bordeaux, Chile made Carmenère famous. This luscious wine from Concho y Toro’s Marques de Casa Concha line is a beautiful example of what this grape can do. It has a deep, dark ruby color enticing, and aromas of rich blackberry, plum fruit entwined with dark chocolate and vanilla. It is silky smooth in the mouth with lush, ripe, dark fruit flavors framed with lively acidity and ripe, sturdy tannins.
Concha y Toro, Peumo (Central Valley, Chile) Carmenere 2019
By Rebecca Murphy