Tussock Jumper Carmenere Red 750ml

Discover Carmenere Wines

Carménère is a savory red wine with a medium body that originated in France but is currently mostly made in Chile. The grape's name comes from the French word for crimson, "carmin," which refers to the vines' brilliant crimson autumn leaves before they fall.

It was first grown in the Medoc area of France and is now used in modest amounts in Bordeaux blends. After the danger of phylloxera in the 19th century, Carménère was mostly abandoned in France owing to its poor fruit set and unpredictable yields. Carménère was introduced to Chile about this period and was first planted alongside other varieties, notably Merlot. It was subsequently discovered and currently thrives in Chile's ideal warm and dry growing conditions.

Carménère is Chile's most famous grape variety. It was designated the country's official variety in 1998. It is mostly found in the valleys of Colchagua, Rapel, and Maipo. Carmenere is found in limited amounts outside of Chile, with the Veneto region in North Eastern Italy being particularly noteworthy. Carménère is made as a single varietal, although it is often blended with Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon.