Carménère (kar-men-nair) is a wine grape whose name is derived from the French carmin (meaning crimson). It was a grape that was thought to be nearly extinct. In 1994, fewer than 25 acres of Carménère remained in France’s Médoc, Bordeaux. But that all changed when it was discovered that an estimated one-third of what had been thought in Chile to be Merlot was actually Carménère. Carménère rose from near worldwide oblivion following the phylloxera crisis that had swept through the Médoc to now representing a country on the global stage: Carménère became synonymous with Chile.

Here are two very nice Carménère wines from Chile…

Viña San Esteban In Situ Carménère Reserva ($13)

This In Situ Carménère comes from the slopes of Paidahuen hill (3000 ft above sea level) and from the riverbanks of the Aconcagua River, just north of Santiago in Chile. It is produced from 95% Carménère and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. It was macerated for 18 days and then aged in 50% French and 50% American oak barrels for 12 months (well beyond the 6-month requirement for a Reserva wine). After the bottling, it was aged for at least 3 additional months before release.

This In Situ Carménère is deep ruby in color with aromas of deep red and black fruit with some herbal notes. On the palate this medium-bodied wine has rich black cherry and black plum flavors, and subtle oak nuances. The fruit of this wine is prominent on the front and easy on the finish. (ABV=13%, Total Acidity=5.42 g/L, pH=3.55, Residual Sugar=3.4 g/L).

Luma Chequen Gran Reserva Carménère ($17)

This Luma Carménère is from the dry Mediterranean climate of the Valle del Maule, which is 155 miles south of Santiago, Chile. The temperatures there are moderated by the proximity to the cool Pacific Ocean. It is produced from 100% Carménère that is cold macerated for 5 days, then fermented in stainless steel tanks for 10 days. It was then aged for barrel for 12 months.

This Luma Carménère is deep ruby in color with subtle fruit aromas and herbal notes of bell pepper and spices. On the palate, this medium-bodied wine has rich flavors of black berry and black plum, it has soft tannin and is well balanced. It has a nice lingering finish. (ABV=13.9%).

These are two nice examples of the Carménère being produced in Chile. And, at these prices, they are a great value! Hence, these two Carménère wines from Chile are this week’s Behind the Cork™ Wines of the Week. Cheers!

Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received these samples at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Wines Provided by InVina Wines and InSitu Family Vineyards