Concha y Toro Carmenere

This unique grape, native to the Bordeaux region, once played a major role in French winemaking. After the phylloxera outbreak in the 1880's, carmenere was widely not replanted because of its low yields. Meanwhile Carmenere vines from France were quietly migrating to the vineyards of Chile, along with Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Chilean winemakers profited from the world-wide hunger for Merlot that the 1990's brought, A nearscandal erupted, however, when it was discovered that the unique flavor of many Chilean Merlots was actually the result of Carmenere vines growing haphazardly amongst the Merlot. Chilean wine-makers saw this opportunity to reintroduce the Carmenere grape with its mild tannins and bright blackberry fruit that make it a pleasure to drink, by itself or with a number of different foods.

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