Wines made from Carmenère grapes of Tuscany
Discover the best wines made with Carmenère as a single variety or as a blend of Tuscany.
Carménère is a grape variety of Bordeaux origin. It is the result of a cross between Cabernet Franc and Gros Cabernet. In France, it occupies only about ten hectares, but it is also grown in Chile, Peru, the Andes, California, Italy and Argentina. The leaves of the carmenere are shiny and revolute. Its berries are round and medium-sized. Carménère is susceptible to grey rot, especially in wet autumn. It can also be exposed to the risk of climatic coulure, which is why it is important to grow it on poor soil and in warm areas. Carménère is associated with an average second ripening period. This variety has only one approved clone, 1059. It can be vinified with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. It produces a rich, highly coloured wine, which acquires character when combined with other grape varieties.
Tuscany is one of the most famous and prolific wine regions in Europe. It is best known for its Dry red wines made from Sangiovese grapes, which dominate production. These include Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. The region's Vin Santo is also highly prized, as are its passito dessert wines, though these are produced in comparatively tiny quantities.