2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29
Carmener / Carmenère / is a red grape variety from which high quality wine is produced. It originates from France and is often confused with merlot. Apart from that, it is also grown in Chile, Italy and the USA / California /. The variety is also known by other names, including carbone, blanc blanc, carmenel, cabernel and vidur.
Carmener has light green leaves that are medium in size. The clusters of this variety are small to medium, characterized by a cylindrical or conical shape. The grains are neither small nor large. They are rounded, painted in dark blue. The flesh is watery and has an unobtrusive grassy taste. Dark red grape elixirs, which have a fruity scent, are produced from the fruits of carmener. Carmener successfully blends with other sports.
The fruits and leaves of carmener and merlot looks almost the same. However, the eye of the experienced vine grower will immediately detect the minimal differences between the two varieties. For example, merlot leaves are slightly more elongated in their central part when they are young, and they are also whitish on the underside. In carmen, this part of the leaf is rather reddish.
The more significant difference between the two related varieties, however, is the time during which they ripen. In the case of carmen, the harvest occurs three weeks later, which is why its blending with merlot is not possible. You guessed it, if you get a juicy merlot and mix it with carmener, the resulting wine will have green notes. If you wait for the moment of ripening of carmen, you can not help but feel the taste of overripe merlot.
History of a carmener
The variety carmener has a curious story. It is believed that he came from Bordeaux, France and is a relative of Merlot. However, recently in France and Italy the number of carmine massifs has been declining considerably. At the same time, the variety is used in blends, but not in pure form. And although it is not very valuable in its homeland, this variety is recognized abroad.
In the second half of the nineteenth century, merlot plantations in Chile were destroyed and winemakers had to import vines from Europe. Thus, without much fuss, the carmen moved from France to Chile. This, of course, did not happen by anyone's imagination. The truth is that the two varieties are quite similar in appearance and were simply mistaken. More interestingly, however, the Chileans themselves did not understand what had happened, and until almost the end of the twentieth century they were deluded into managing merlot plantations.
In fact, the truth came to light in 1993, when experts categorically recognized the vines with carmener among the vineyards in Chile. Then it became clear that more than half of the produce grown as merlot was actually carmen. This, in turn, explains why not all Chilean merlot wines have the same taste. However, no matter how similar Merlot and Carmener look, they differ in taste.
Characteristics of a carmener
Wines made from the variety carmener can impress any palate. They enchant in the first place with their deep red color. These grape elixirs are juicy and fill the mouth with ripe tannins. Carmener wines are characterized by stable acidity, which undoubtedly has a refreshing effect. The aroma carried by them is especially captivating.
It is reminiscent of fruits such as prunes, blueberries and sweet spices. Some manufacturers add a chocolate scent or hints of spicy spices such as black pepper. When sipping, you can taste cinnamon, paprika or soy sauce. It is possible that there are notes of tobacco and graphite. Characteristic of Carmener drinks are herbal tones, the feeling of smoked meat, green leaves and celery.
Serving carmener
To make the moment of serving even more memorable carmener, some features of the wine must be taken into account. Pay attention to the temperature of the drink. It is good to cool the wine, but this procedure should not be overdone. It is best if the temperature of the alcohol is within 16-18 degrees. As if the wine has matured, you can stick to the upper limit, and if it is younger - to the lower. In order to most successfully reveal the positive features of the wine, choose a special container in which to serve it.
You can present it in the best light if you take out a set with classic red wine glasses. They are suitable for different types of red wines, so even if you buy them specifically for carmener, your purchase will be practical, because you will be able to use them with other relatives. What is special about this type of cup is that it is widened at the bottom, and then narrows a little sharper towards the chair. While upwards the narrowing becomes smooth. When spilling carmen, do not fill the container completely, but only partially.
As we know, quality drinks go best with delicious food. This rule also applies in full force to carmener. Wine goes well with several types of food. Undoubtedly the most pleasant is the combination between carmener and well-cooked meat, whether it is beef, beef or pork. Don't hesitate to combine this red wine with dishes such as Veal with cream, Veal with vegetables and strawberries in a casserole or Veal with eggplant sauce. Other appetizing additions can be Pork chops with peppers, Pork chops with cheese, Pork with leeks and dock or Pork fillet with pickles and onions. The wine also goes with a paste with soy sauce.
