Carmenère Comes Home

Interesting news article at Decanter that Chateau Brane-Cantenac, a Second Growth producer in Margaux (Bordeaux), is now using Carmenère in its 2011 wine.  

Although almost never used in Bordeaux, Carmenère is a sixth variety allowed under appellation rules. It was widely-planted in the Medoc in the 19th century, and regarded as a mainstay of claret, but it is difficult to ripen and prone to disease and its popularity waned. 

Carmenère found new life in Chile, where it is now the signature grape, although it spent many years there being mistaken for Merlot.


Now, thanks to climate change, it's back in Bordeaux...if only in a very small way.


Welcome home.


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