Wines made from Carmenère grapes of Breede River Valley
Discover the best wines made with Carmenère as a single variety or as a blend of Breede River Valley.
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.
The wine region of Breede River Valley is located in the region of Western Cape of South Africa. Wineries and vineyards like the Domaine Alvi's Drift or the Domaine Alvi's Drift produce mainly wines red, white and pink. The most planted grape varieties in the region of Breede River Valley are Cabernet-Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Pinotage, they are then used in wines in blends or as a single variety. On the nose of Breede River Valley often reveals types of flavors of red fruit, tropical or stone fruit and sometimes also flavors of caramel, white peach or pear.