Carmenere is a dark reddish-purple grape, getting its name from “carmin”, meaning crimson, (from the color of the leaves that it turns in the fall) that originated in the Medoc region of Bordeaux, France.   Carmenere is a child of Cabernet Franc, albeit much older sibling to Cabernet Sauvignon but with fewer seeds, translating to fewer tannins than his much younger brother.  It is one of the original Bordeaux noble grapes.  It fell out of favor, along with Cabernet Franc during many cold years and then its demise in Graves and Medoc when phylloxera struck in 1867’s.  It’s regained its noble stature in Chile’s Central Valley, (in Colchagua Valley, Maipo and Rapel Valley) where it is becoming both single variety as well as blended, enjoying a long growing season.   For nearly 150 years, Carmenere was thought to be extinct, as in many places, it was mistaken for another sibling, Merlot.  Chile, due to its protection from the elements in its relation to the Andes, terroir and the sea winds, is protected against phylloxera. Carmenere has a medium body, medium acidity, medium+ alcohol, with cherry-like flavors, with chocolate, tobacco and earth tones.