Carmenere

This is rare old pre-Pylloxera variety from Bordeaux which has all but disappeared in Europe.

Characteristics: A low yielding variety which likes warm conditions for ripening. Produces exceptionally deep coloured and full wines with gamey herbaceous notes and rounded soft, spicy fruit

Where is it found? Now mainly grown in Chile, where until 1994 it was marketed as Merlot. There are also some minute quantities grown in California.

Wines associated: Chile and a few Bordeaux properties where it is being re-introduced in small amounts for its roundness and suppleness.

Food matches: Stews, casseroles, barbequed meats and hard cheeses.

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