Carmenere is the poor cousin, the lost grape of Bordeaux - formerly considered one of the acceptable grapes for red blends in that region (joining Cab Sauvignon, Merlot, Cab Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot), it lost favor following the phylloxera epidemic that struck Europe between 1860 and 1880 and is rarely grown now, except for in Chile where it was first thought to be Merlot but it is now bottled under its own name. Full-bodied, full-flavored, it combines some of the best characteristics of both Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. This one is rich and elegant, a wonderful addition to any meat meal.
Schaefer's Wines, Foods & Spirits 
