WSET3 Palate Notes

Body - Full,
Acid - Medium / High,
Tannin - High,
Alcohol - Medium / High.

Tastes Like: Blackberry, Pepper, Spice, Herbaceous, Green pepper, Green bean

Carmenere has found a second home in Chile and is often referred to as Chile’s signature red grape.

What you can expect to taste and smell?

Primary Flavours & Aromas

Cool vs. Warm Climate

Cool Climate: While it can grow in cooler climates, Carmenere truly shines in warm or hot regions, where it ripens more fully, expressing its rich fruit character.

Warm/Hot Climate: Grown in warmer areas, it yields wines with a deeper, riper fruit profile and softer tannins.

Appellations / Producers of Note

Seek out Colchagua Valley and Maipo Valley in Chile for exceptional Carmenere wines.

Age-worthiness

Carmenere is enjoyable in its youth, showcasing its lush fruit and aromatic complexity.

Aging Potential: However, it can age gracefully, evolving into wines with more pronounced spice, tobacco, and chocolate notes over time.

First Published: Saturday, Oct 21, 2023 Last updated: Jun 10, 2024

If you're a wine enthusiast like me ... follow my adventures, learn about grapes or winemaking.

read more

Meet the author

Photo for Damien Saunders
Damien Saunders
WSET3 award - Has been on a journey to learn more about wine, viticulture since I started travelling. Every country has something to drink.
Find our more about me.