Carménère

Carménère – The rediscovered grape variety from Chile

Carménère is one of the most exciting red wine varieties in the world. It originally comes from Bordeaux, France, but was almost completely eliminated from the vineyards. It was only in Chile that the grape variety found its second home, where it is now considered the national grape variety. Chile’s climate offers ideal conditions for Carménère, resulting in particularly fruity, spicy, and balanced wines.

Carménère is characterized by its soft tannins, spicy fruit, and notes of herbs and green bell pepper. Depending on the ageing, the wines exhibit aromas of black currants, plums, black pepper, and tobacco, while more mature versions also develop smoky and chocolate notes.

🔹 Chilean Carménère (Reserva, Gran Reserva): Juicy, spicy, with notes of dark berries, herbs, and black pepper.
🔹 French Carménère (Bordeaux): Rarer, with more structure, earthy notes, and firm acidity.
🔹 Aged Carménère (barrique-aged): Full-bodied, velvety, with roasted aromas, dark chocolate, and spices.

Thanks to its mild acidity and spicy fruit, Carménère is a versatile food accompaniment that goes particularly well with grilled meat, spicy cuisine and medium-bodied cheese.

➡ Which dishes go best with Carménère? Here are the ideal food pairings!

🥩 Carménère & Food – The best food pairings

1️⃣ Fruity and spicy Carménère (e.g. young Chilean Reserva wines)

Palate: Medium-bodied, juicy fruit, velvety tannins, spicy.
Typical aromas: Blackberries, plums, green peppers, black pepper.

✅ Best food pairings:
✔ Grilled & spicy marinated meat → beef steak, lamb chops, chorizo
✔ Mexican & spicy dishes → Tacos with beef, enchiladas, chili con carne
✔ Grilled vegetables & spicy dips → peppers, eggplant, chimichurri

➡ Recommended recipes:
• Grilled beef steak with chimichurri
• Tacos with spicy beef and guacamole

2️⃣ Structured, powerful Carménère (e.g. Gran Reserva, mature Bordeaux Carménère)

Taste: Robust, spicy, with elegant acidity and depth.
Typical aromas: Blackcurrants, tobacco, roasted notes, eucalyptus.

✅ Best food pairings:
✔ Braised & hearty dishes → lamb ragout, beef bourguignon, osso buco
✔ Hearty pasta and vegetable dishes → Pasta with beef ragù, roasted eggplant, ratatouille
✔ Medium-bodied to mature cheeses → Gruyère, Manchego, Comté

➡ Recommended recipes:
• Lamb ragout with rosemary and red wine
• Pasta with braised beef ragout

3️⃣ Mature, complex Carménère (e.g. Gran Reserva, barrique-aged)

Palate: Full-bodied, velvety tannins, long, spicy finish.
Typical aromas: Dark chocolate, espresso, black cherries, vanilla.

✅ Best food pairings:
✔ Fine game dishes & fine cuisine → Venison saddle, duck breast, braised pigeon
✔Strong cheeses & savory flavors → Roquefort, Parmesan, mature Cheddar
✔ Chocolate desserts & dark fruits → Chocolate fondant, fig tart

➡ Recommended recipes:
• Venison loin with port wine jus
• Chocolate fondant with chili and sea salt

🔍 Carménère & food pairing at a glance

📌 Tip: If you’re unsure, choose a Chilean Carménère Reserva – it’s fruity, spicy, and goes well with many dishes!

🚀 Conclusion: Why Carménère is perfect for spicy dishes

Carménère is one of the most exciting and versatile red wine varieties. Whether as a fruity young Carménère, a powerful Gran Reserva, or a complex, mature wine, this grape variety always offers the perfect wine accompaniment! 🍷

➡Which combination did you like best? Discover all the matching recipes here.! 😊🚀