Carménère is a grape variety used primarily for making wine. It has well-developed powerful bushes and belongs to the medium ripening type. This variety grows well exclusively in warm regions with fertile soil. Grapes contain a large amount of sugar, which is why they are not consumed uncooked. In this material, we will analyze what features the Carmenère variety has, what its vines, clusters are, the level of productivity, what kind of care this crop requires, as well as how to properly prune it and protect the grapes from pests and diseases.
Description of the Carmenere grape variety
Carménère is a grape variety used in winemaking. It was known in France back in the 19th century. Due to the phylloxera epidemic, it was replaced by other varieties that are more resistant to this disease: Cabernet and Merlot. After this, the variety was practically not used in France. But at the end of the twentieth century, mass plantings of this crop were discovered in Italy and Chile, where it remains one of the main ones among winemakers to this day.
Currently, the variety is rated very highly due to its taste, ease of care and unpretentiousness to soils. It is bred mainly in the southern regions or grown in greenhouses.
A special feature of this variety is the specific herbal flavor of wines prepared on its basis. To obtain this taste, the product is aged for up to 10 years. It is also often combined with other grape varieties to obtain an original flavor.
How to spot a fake
When choosing Chilean Carménère wine for themselves, no gourmet will want to pay for counterfeit wine.
To avoid counterfeits, which scammers are trying to flood the alcohol market with, it is worth paying attention to some criteria by which original drinks can be easily distinguished from counterfeit ones.
Among these signs:
- Consistency. Real wine from the manufacturer does not contain impurities, cloudiness or sediment.
- Excise stamp. All drinks that are imported into our country undergo mandatory customs control and receive an excise stamp that is affixed to the bottle. Without it, only counterfeit products are sold.
- Label. After leaving the bottling line, the original Chilean wine Carménère has perfectly evenly glued labels with no glue smudges. All inscriptions and drawings on the labels are smooth, clear and not blurry.
Properties
Carménère is a grape variety that has high sugar levels. Because of this feature, it has a high calorie content and may be contraindicated for people suffering from diabetes. People who adhere to proper nutrition or any diet are not recommended to introduce this product into their diet in the form of table grapes. You can consume no more than 100 grams of culture per day. In moderate quantities, carménère can improve a person’s overall well-being, tone up the body and provide essential vitamins and minerals.
It is indispensable as a technical variety, since it allows you to obtain wine with good taste characteristics.
Calorie content
Like many technical varieties belonging to the Cabernet family, the presented grapes belong to high-calorie products. Its calorie content is 67 kcal per 100 grams. Due to its high calorie content, it is introduced into the diet sparingly. This variety is usually not given to children under 6 years of age.
Due to its high calorie content, the variety is used mainly for making rose or red wine. This variety is widely used for these purposes in Chile, less often in France. It can also be used to prepare raisins, used for making baked goods or confectionery products.
Benefits and harms
Carmenere grapes will be useful for people with blood diseases, it will improve the condition of the heart and blood vessels, and will have a beneficial effect on the overall tone of the body. In addition, it promotes the production of collagen and elastin in tissues, which contributes to overall rejuvenation of the body. This material will tell you about grape seed oil for the face.
If we talk about the category of people for whom this variety is contraindicated, then they should include those who suffer from diabetes, peptic ulcers of the intestines and stomach, or have individual sensitivity to grapes.
It has low acidity, low tannin levels and a slightly sweet aftertaste.
Since the presented grapes contain a high concentration of sugar, they are not recommended for consumption by people prone to obesity. It can lead to sudden weight gain.
Acidity
The acidity level of this variety is 6-8 grams per liter. At the same time, Carmenere berries contain a fairly high concentration of sugar - up to 23% in the fruit. These characteristics are retained by the crop regardless of the region where it is grown, the level of watering and fertilization of the grapes. Under good growing conditions, the taste characteristics of the variety improve, it develops a rich chocolate taste, as well as a rich aroma.
Due to the high level of sugar in this variety, Carmenere grapes are commonly used to make wines. It is used very rarely as a table variety and only on private farms.
How to buy a branded product
When purchasing Carménère Inspiration wine or any other blend from Chile, be careful, as the alcohol market today is oversaturated with a large number of fakes.
Counterfeit products today can be found on any product, and in this case it does not matter whether you buy expensive dry red wine or prefer affordable options from the middle price range.
In particular, in order not to go wrong and enjoy a truly exquisite and vibrant assemblage this evening, when choosing a drink, pay attention to the following points:
- Shop. Buy branded drinks only in specialized stores. Avoid stalls and grocery stores. Request from sellers certificates for the products presented in the assortment.
- Consistency. The structure of a branded drink should be perfectly clean and transparent. Any impurities, including cloudiness and sediment, are signs of low-quality alcohol.
- Excise tax Any foreign drink that undergoes customs clearance is marked with an excise stamp. The absence of this sign is possible only if the drink is sold in a free trade zone.
- Bottle. Carménère alcohol is bottled by each Chilean producer into original bottles. Thus, having paid attention to a particular brand, first visit the manufacturer’s website and familiarize yourself with the main features of the branded bottle.
- Decor. The responsible attitude of Chilean companies to the production process eliminates the appearance of defective containers on the market. That is, if you notice chipped glass, dents, glue drips, uneven seams and other signs of manufacturing defects, return the bottle to the shelf.
Characteristics of the bush
Carménère has powerful, strong bushes that usually reach a height of 2 meters. There are always a lot of shoots on them. Since the plants take root very well in any type of soil, they need to be fertilized moderately so that the bushes do not grow too much. Since the crop has a low yield level, it is recommended to prune the bushes short once a season. The culture is resistant to diseases, but sensitive to weather changes. Cold winds and prolonged rains during flowering can negatively affect the inflorescences, lead to the falling of flowers and, as a result, a decrease in yield.
Vine
Carménère has a powerful dark brown vine that usually matures at two-thirds of its length. Such a vine is capable of forming a voluminous hedge due to the abundant growth of branches and leaves. The leaves themselves of this grape variety are tight, of regular shape, and have a bright green hue. The flowers on the vine are bisexual and amenable to independent pollination. Read about the grapevine at this link.
These wine grapes are frost-resistant and have an attractive appearance.
To obtain higher yields from a shrub, the gardener should carry out repeated artificial pollination after the first natural pollination. This technique, subject to other rules of agricultural technology, allows you to increase the weight of a ripened bunch of grapes by one and a half times.
Bunch
The bunch of this grape has a teardrop shape. When the berries are fully ripe, their average weight is 800 grams, although cases have been recorded when they reached a weight of 2 kg. The average length of a bunch is 30 cm. The berries themselves, when ripe, reach a weight of 11 grams and a length of 4 cm each. The color of the berries is dark blue or dark purple, the shape is oblong.
The shape of the clusters can be cylindrical-conical, winged, small or medium in size.
The quality of ripe bunches directly depends on the quality of grape pruning. Only those gardeners who carried out this agrotechnical event correctly and in a timely manner can count on the formation of correct clusters with a large number of berries.
Productivity
When grown in open ground, from one bush of the presented crop you can get from 17 to 21 kilograms of berries. When planting the presented crop in a greenhouse, the yield usually increases slightly. It can be increased only through regular, proper pruning of the crop, as well as the application of the necessary fertilizers during the growing season.
The harvest takes place at the end of May.
The indicated fertility of grapes directly depends on the fulfillment of the requirements for agricultural technology of the crop. If it is violated, the yield of the bush will decrease significantly. This usually happens when the wrong place for planting a bush is selected, irregular application of fertilizers, and improper pruning.
Great drink for a good time
If you are looking for a premium wine assemblage with a non-trivial taste, you justifiably cannot pass by the drinks created by Chilean experts using Carménère.
These are unique assemblages whose gastronomic and aromatic ambitions will envelop you with the best characteristics already in the first minutes of tasting.
Moreover, these products go well with a large number of ingredients, allowing you to create memorable cocktails.
Visit your nearest alcohol market today to purchase a bottle of a bright and memorable assemblage that can surround any consumer with the best impressions during a long tasting.
Growing
The presented variety is recommended to be grown in open ground only in the southern regions. It should be borne in mind that the carmenère is afraid of low temperatures, it requires mandatory preparation for winter and can die if it freezes. To plant the presented crop, you need to choose only sunny areas of the garden with good fertile soil, preferably on black soil. Under no circumstances should this crop be planted on swampy soil - the plants may die from excessive moisture. You also need to protect carmenere from cold wind, as it can destroy the inflorescences. To do this, it is recommended to plant grape bushes in the middle of the garden or place it near a fence or wall of a house.
In Chile, Carménère revealed itself in an amazing way and showed excellent results.
Planting period
This variety can be planted twice a year: in autumn or spring. The first option is considered a priority for young gardeners, since shrubs grown in this way are more likely to survive than those planted in early spring. At any time, grapes are planted in pre-prepared holes 0.8x0.8x0.8. The bush is deepened into the ground to the level of the root collar. After this, the roots are covered with soil, and the soil itself is compacted. Read about planting grape cuttings in this article.
Only healthy, strong plants are taken for planting. Cuttings with defects are discarded, as they may die in the first weeks after planting.
Ripening period
The presented hybrid is classified as a mid-season ripening variety. Carmenere berries ripen in 115-130 days. Typically, harvesting occurs between August and early October. The ripeness of the fruit is indicated by a change in color from pink to dark purple. When growing this crop in a greenhouse, the growing season may begin earlier, which will allow the timing of grape production to be delayed.
Fruit ripening begins from mid-August to the end of October.
When the grapes ripen, you should immediately organize their collection and transportation (if you plan to sell them). Otherwise, the bunches will fall off, and part of the harvest will thus be lost.
Landing
So, we found out what the Carmenere grape variety looks like, what it looks like, and what biological characteristics it has. But how to plant such plants correctly? Carmenere grapes should be placed on the site in places protected from the wind on good soil. Holes for seedlings of this variety are usually dug 80 x 80 cm in size.
The seedling installed in the hole is covered with earth and compacted. Next, the plants are well watered with warm water. Carménère can be planted both in early spring and mid-autumn. At first, young plants are watered every 3-4 days.
It is important to pay attention to the timing of planting, preparation of the site, and the correct planting of the seedling in the ground. Planting of grape seedlings is carried out at any time when warm weather arrives. The vine is planted in early spring, autumn
However, many gardeners believe that spring is a more favorable time. When planting seedlings in the spring, they will have time to take root before the fall and will be able to overwinter
The vine is planted in early spring and autumn. However, many gardeners believe that spring is a more favorable time. When planting seedlings in the spring, they will have time to take root before the fall and will be able to overwinter
Planting of grape seedlings is carried out at any time when warm weather arrives. The vine is planted in early spring and autumn. However, many gardeners believe that spring is a more favorable time. When planting seedlings in the spring, they will have time to take root before the fall and can survive the winter.
The grapes are planted in an open sunny area. The longer the bush spends in the sun, the better the yield.
How to prepare the place:
- Dig a hole at least 80 cm deep. Drainage is poured into the bottom of the hole: pebbles, scrap bricks, small gravel.
- The pit is filled with a mass that includes crushed stone, crushed stone, and fertile soil.
- To deoxidize the soil, add dolomite flour (1 tbsp) or eggshells.
- The last layer is black soil.
- The hole is filled gradually, each layer requires abundant watering.
Planting vines
After preparing the hole, the seedling is planted:
- A small hole is dug in the ground.
- A seedling is placed and the roots are straightened.
- Covered with earth.
- The soil is lightly compacted around the stem.
Afterwards, the vine is watered generously with warm water.
Care
In order for such a grape hybrid to develop well, it needs to be provided with competent care, which includes the following measures:
- Regular watering. Held once a month. For this procedure, water heated in the sun is used.
- Fertilizing with mineral or organic fertilizers.
- Weeding beds, loosening the soil. Can be carried out immediately after watering.
- Bush pruning.
- Mulching the soil with peat, sawdust or chopped wood.
In cold regions, where the temperature in the winter months drops below -20 degrees, the vineyard needs to be additionally covered for the winter. To do this, you can use tarpaulin and other heat-insulating materials.
Disease Prevention
This grape variety is resistant to many diseases, including powdery mildew. It is only affected by fungal diseases, including gray rot, which develop at high humidity in the vineyard. Among the parasites, the most dangerous for carménère are birds that peck away the crop. Read about protecting grapes from wasps here.
Particular care should be taken when using a solution of Bordeaux mixture, as the drug is very toxic in high concentrations.
Also, in order to combat fungal diseases and parasites, the vineyard must be sprayed with special preparations once every 3-4 months during the growing season. If parasites or fungal diseases have been noted in neighboring vineyards, it is necessary to carry out spring treatment of the plants.
Trimming
This hybrid is usually pruned twice a year:
- Proper autumn pruning is carried out after harvesting: cut off broken branches, tops, as well as those shoots that have dried out.
- In early March, spring pruning of the vineyard is carried out. Each fruitful shoot is shortened to 6-8 eyes, no more. This event is carried out after stable warm weather has established with a temperature of at least -3 degrees. Read how to prune grapes in winter here.
Pruning grapes is a mandatory agrotechnical measure. If this is not carried out, the yield of the variety may be significantly reduced, and the bush itself will break off under the weight of too large branches.
How to serve
You can fully reveal all the colors that dry wine Carmenere possesses only if during the tasting process you give preference to generally accepted classical principles.
Try to serve drinks slightly chilled. The optimal temperature for Chilean blends is considered to be 16-18 degrees. An overheated assemblage will upset you with a pungent odor, and an overcooled one will not allow you to enjoy all the beauty of the gastronomic flavor.
Drinks are poured strictly into tall, transparent glasses with thin stems. Such glasses allow you to recognize the main features of the aroma and color of alcohol.
Be careful with small containers. Do not allow alcohol to become heated by the warmth of your hand.
conclusions
- Carménère is a popular technical variety used by winemakers in Italy and Chile.
- Grapes of this variety have a high percentage of sugar content and high calorie content. It is not recommended for use as table food.
- Carménère has a powerful vine. Its yield is average, the berries ripen four months after the start of the growing season.
- The variety is grown exclusively in the southern regions , as it is sensitive to prolonged rainfall and cold winds.
- Caring for these grapes involves pruning the bush twice a year , watering and loosening the soil once a month, fertilizing and mulching.
- In order to prevent diseases and damage to bushes by pests, it is recommended to treat the bush once every 3 months with special preparations.
Historical reference
Today, premium-level alcoholic assemblages from carmenère are a kind of calling card of Chile, but the French were the first to produce them in the 19th century.
For a long time, this grape was grown exclusively in Bordeaux, but after the epidemic brought by phylloxera in 1867, this variety migrated to Chile and other countries of the world.
Already in the 1990s, it was established that half of the merlot plantations in the central valley of Chile were occupied by this particular aromatic grape. Today, Chile is the main supplier of carmenere wines, and in most cases the region's products are protected by origin.
Did you know? Many less experienced tasters often confuse Carménère and Merlot, and this is not surprising, since studies have shown that these grape varieties are distant relatives.
Regions of production
As mentioned above, the country has an unusual location. The width from the ocean to the mountains is only 500 km. And the length from north to south is 6.5 thousand kilometers.
The entire territory is divided into 5 main wine production regions:
- Central region.
- Southern territory.
- Coquimbo.
- Atacama.
- Aconcagua.
These, in turn, include smaller areas.
central region
The largest region. The largest number of farms are concentrated here. Red varieties grown on the territory are Merlot, Shiraz, Alicante, Carmenere.
It contains the main zones in which the microclimate differs. The taste and character of the drink also differs.
Central region zones:
- Colchagua.
- Maipo.
- Maule.
- Kuriko.
- Cachapoal.
The best wines of the central region:
Casillero del Diablo is a dry red wine from the Maipo Valley. Made from 100% Carmenere variety, the strength of the drink is 13.5 degrees.
Dark red, ruby color. Chocolate-coffee aroma, with notes of currants and pepper. Taste of fruit, with a long and tart aftertaste.
Pairs well with cheeses and nuts.
Luis Felipe Edwards is a dry red from the Colchagua area. Shiraz and Alicante varieties, alcohol content - 13%.
Dark red color, with hints of purple. Aroma of oak with a combination of red pepper and chocolate. Rich and bright taste with a dense aftertaste.
Served with meat cooked over an open fire. And can also be served with pasta dishes.
Southern Territory
Chile's white wines are mainly produced. Muscats are created. Varieties: Muscat of Alexandria, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc.
Southern region zones:
- Bio-Bio.
- Osorno.
- Malieko.
- Itata.
Best Southern Territory Wines:
Cono Sur is a dry white wine originally from the Bio-Bio Valley. From the Gewürztraminer variety, strength - 13 degrees.
The color is golden, turning to yellow. Aroma of ripe citrus and white rose. Fruity taste with slight sourness.
Best suited for Chinese, Japanese and Vietnamese dishes. Pairs well with sweet and sour accords.
Veranda Oda Syrah is a dry red from the Bio-Bio Valley. Syrah variety, 14.5%.
Red rich color. Aroma of berries, blackberries, cherries. Rich and mature taste with a very long aftertaste.
This wine can go well with most pork, beef, and lamb dishes.
Coquimbo
The region where red wines of Chile are created, semi-sweet wine. There is little rainfall here.
Main areas:
- Elki.
- Limari.
- Choapa.
Best wines:
San Pedro, “Kankana del Elqui” - dry red wine from the Elqui Valley, Syrah variety, 14.5 degrees.
Purple-red color. Aroma of tobacco, berries, cinnamon. Long fruity aroma with a hint of sourness.
Best suited for fried meat and game dishes. It also goes well with cheeses.
“Castillo de Molina” Elqui Valley - dry white from the Elqui Valley. Sauvignon Blanc, 13% alcohol.
Yellow color with shades of green. Fresh and bright aroma of strawberry, lemon zest and vanilla. The taste is reminiscent of grapefruit with a sour component. Long piercing aftertaste.
Goes well as an aperitif. Suitable for fish and white meat.
A little history
Initially, these grapes began to be grown in France. Carménère was once very widespread in this country. Actually, wine was not made from it in France. However, the berries of this variety were often used for blending here. Moreover, the percentage of Carmenere content in such wines usually did not exceed 4%.
In 1867, in France and throughout Europe, this variety was completely destroyed by phyllopsera and was considered lost for a long time. But in 1994, the French ampelographer Michel Boursicot accidentally discovered this grape in Chile. Until that time, the farmers of this country did not even suspect that it was Carménère that they grew. They called the grapes they cultivated Chilean Merlot.
It was later suggested that the Carménère grape variety was cultivated in the 19th century. farmers in Chile began by mistake. Apparently, the workers who packed the seedlings for shipment to America once simply mixed up the names of the varieties. Carménère arrived in Chile as Merlot.
Currently, this variety is grown everywhere in this country and is used to make mainly young wines with a slightly herbaceous flavor. In Europe, such grapes are practically not cultivated.
Signs of quality wine
When buying any wine in stores, you should remember the rules for choosing a quality product
Among them are the most common signs that are worth paying attention to. Here's a short description
Place of purchase
To minimize the option of purchasing counterfeit products, we recommend purchasing in specialized stores. Before purchasing, ask the seller to provide a certificate. Do not buy wine in small shops and stalls.
Consistency
There are distinct features of a quality drink. The drink must be clean and transparent in structure. The drink should not contain any cloudiness or sediment at the bottom. Such manifestations can be considered proof that you have a fake in your hands, and in this case it is better to refuse the purchase.
Excise stamp
Any foreign product undergoes customs clearance. The proof of this is the excise stamp. It may only be absent if sold in free trade zones.
Bottle
Carménère wine is bottled by the manufacturer in original bottles. To be completely sure, we advise you to visit the company’s website and get acquainted with the main features of the bottles that the manufacturer uses.
Decor
The attitude of Chilean manufacturers towards their products has long proven that goods with obvious signs of defect cannot go on sale. This may include chips, glue drips, uneven seams on the container and other signs. A manufacturer who is responsible for its products will simply not release such a product for sale.
Reviews
Summer residents have a relatively good opinion about this grape. However, most gardeners recommend choosing a place for it as carefully as possible. Vines of this variety should be protected as reliably as possible from the wind. Otherwise, as experienced winegrowers note, it will not be possible to get large harvests from Carménère. In terms of care, summer residents consider the absence of stepsons to be an advantage of this variety. The beautiful color of the leaves in autumn is also considered an advantage of Carménère.
Gardeners do not recommend planting this variety in areas with an unstable climate. Perhaps the vines will grow in such a region, but only weak harvests can be harvested from them. The taste of this grape is highly praised by most gardeners. According to many summer residents, it strongly resembles a rich nightshade. In this regard, Carmenere, judging by reviews, even surpasses the popular Cabernet Sauvignon.
Classification of Chilean wines
There are three main types of Chilean wines:
- Vinos de Mesa – table wines without specifying the grape variety, vintage year or region of production. This group includes the cheapest drinks.
- Vinos sin Denomination de Origen - wines that are not controlled by place of origin, but are produced indicating the brand, variety and year of harvest.
- Vinos con Denomination de Origen - wines controlled by origin. However, as mentioned above, even they do not belong to a specific region and can be produced in any of the five zones.
Based on aging, Chilean wines are divided into:
- Corriente (1 year);
- Special (2-3 years);
- Reserva (4-5 years);
- Gran Reserva (over 6 years).
Wine regions of Chile
Chile has a variety of climate zones and soil types. The country's vineyards stretch for more than 1,000 kilometers from the Atacama region to the Bio-Bio Valley. The north has a hot and dry climate, while the south has cooler weather and higher humidity.
The Atacama is divided into two subregions: the Copiapo and Huasco valleys. It mainly produces pisco and inexpensive table wines, although more sophisticated brands have recently begun to be produced.
Coquimbo. Includes three subregions: Elki, Limari and Choapa. The first has a sunny, hot climate and sweet wines, the second has mineral soils and fog, fresh wines with a mineral flavor, the third has rocky soils and high-acid Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon wines.
Aconcagua. Mediterranean climate, clay and sandy soils. The region is divided into three main valleys: Aconcagua, Casablanca, San Antonio. Spring comes early here and autumn comes late, so the grapes take a long time to ripen.
Central Valley. This is the largest wine-growing region of Chile, which is divided into four subregions: Maipo, Rapel, Curico, Maule. The Mediterranean climate predominates.
South Region. Boasting a cool climate and producing some of the most elegant wines, the area is divided into the Bio-Bio and Itata subregions.
Tasting notes
Carménère wine is made from the grape variety of the same name, which is grown in the most fertile areas and regions of the country. Carménère wine has an attractive base red color that can be combined with various shades. The aroma of the drink has a delightful floral bouquet combined with herbs and spices. The undertones of ripe grapes make up the main flavor of this brand of drink.
The Carménère brand has several main and well-known varieties, each of which has individual taste and aroma properties. Among the most common brands of the Carménère brand are:
- Moonrise Carmenere. It has a beautiful ruby color, and in the aromatic bouquet you can feel notes of blueberries, cherries, prunes and spices. The taste of the wine contains a clear tannin flavor, which is also noticeable in the long aftertaste.
- Carmenere Inspiration. The wine is red in color and has a long grape aftertaste. The bouquet of aromas clearly reveals shades of figs, cherries and strawberries.
- Concha y Toro Terrunyo Carmenere. Dry red wine in the aroma of which you can enjoy hints of plum, red berries and even tobacco. Sweet tannins, which dominate the taste of the drink, make it compatible with various sweet dishes and desserts.
- Undurraga Carmenere Central Valley. The wine of this brand has a beautiful purple hue, and the taste has a velvety texture. The aromatic properties of the drink are clearly expressed by undertones of plum, cherry and blackberry.
Although gourmets and connoisseurs of Carménère wine prefer to decide for themselves exactly how to consume the drink, there are some common rules for consumption and dishes with which drinking wine is pleasant and tasty. Wine is consumed chilled, from tall glasses, allowing you to experience the fullness of the aroma and taste. Unlike cognac, warming the drink in your hand is not recommended.
As gastronomic ingredients, cold cuts or dishes are usually used with wine, and wine must be consumed with sweets with extreme caution so as not to interrupt all the natural components and properties of the drink. .
