Encyclopedia · Red grape
Chile's adopted signature red: green bell pepper and dark chocolate over plum and cassis. Pyrazine-driven like Cab Franc but riper and more velvety. Often misidentified as Merlot in the glass.
Acidity med · Tannin med · Alcohol med–high
Climate Warm continental with Andean influence. Alluvial soils. Santiago's backyard.
Style New French oak standard. MLF. Dense and structured at premium tier. Benchmark appellation.
Tell Green bell pepper and dark plum, mocha and dark chocolate, velvety texture, medium-firm tannin
Climate Warm continental. Colchagua sub-valley. Clay and limestone over granite.
Style New oak common. Riper fruit than Maipo due to warmer valley floor. More accessible.
Tell Dark cherry and jalapeño, plum and chocolate, ripe and accessible, moderate tannin
Pour Taste is our interactive trainer — flashcards, tells, and blind flights for every grape in this encyclopedia. Open the Carménère flashcard →