Carmenere Wine for Delivery or Pickup

Carménère grapes are native to the Bordeaux region of France and are among the founding strains of this city's prestigious array of wines. While they are considered one of the six original red grapes grown in the area, these noble vines failed to thrive in Europe's climate. Persistent phylloxera infestations led to the fruit's ultimate demise in France.

These grapes found a permanent home in the climate of South America during the 1850s. As a late-ripening variety, Carménère grapes enjoy Chile's hot and sunny days. Today, it's the country's flagship grape harvest, with the Colchagua Valley, Cachapoal, and Aconcagua regions producing the most significant yields of Carménère grapes.

Viticulturists traditionally thought Carménère was a Merlot. In 1994, ampelographer Jean-Micheal Boursiquot discovered that the vines and their high-quality, small bunches of deep blue-black grapes are descendants of Cabernet Franc. This particularly unique relationship explains why these two vines offer similarly tasting fruit with dominant aromas such as raspberry, green bell pepper, black plum, green peppercorn, and vanilla. It also shares a flavor profile with siblings like Merlot, Basque Country's Hondarribi Beltza, and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Wineries predominantly use Carménère to blend with other fruit or to produce single varietal red wines. Its fermented juice is equally delicious whether or not the winery ages it. Vintners who elect to oak-age Carménère produce a vintage teaming with the essence of dark chocolate and tobacco that mingles smoothly with other earthy notes. Affordable bottles of Carménère wines can taste fruity, with a subtly tart flavor. On the higher end of the scale, expect to find a wine with a sweet berry flavor, light and pleasant tannin, and a bittersweet cocoa powder note.

When dining out, your sommelier can help you select the perfect wine. When browsing Instacart, it may be a bit more challenging to pick the right bottle. To make your day a little easier, we've put together these helpful tips for picking out the best Carménère:

1. How much should I pay for a bottle of Carménère?

Most oenophiles will find a satisfyingly well-priced Carménère with the help of the Instacart app. You can purchase an entry-level bottle, such as the Concha Y Toro Diablo Carménère, for under $10. If you're celebrating a special occasion, have your shopper select a premium label based on your budget and preferences. Top-shelf varieties like Montes Purple Angel can cost you around $85.

2. Pay close attention to food pairings.

Before you send an Instacart shopper off to the store, consider your menu. Whether you're cooking a four-course spread for a holiday get-together or a romantic dinner for two, Carménère's unique complexities make it the ideal complement to a variety of foods.

If you're serving herb-seasoned or peppery meat dishes, from barbecued pork to roast chicken, grab a bottle of Carménère. Its dark notes also pair well with a hearty stew and shepherd's pie. For a complimentary flavor, serve a side dish of roasted peppers or sauteed kale, and stick with milder cheeses like mozzarella. For dessert, choose something decadent, such as a caramel cheesecake.

3. Don't skip over a screw-top Carménère for the always-classy cork.

You may believe that a cork is a clear sign of quality wine, but that's not always the case with Carménère. However, you should plan to consume screw-top wines within a year as they don't age well like those bottled with a cork.

Don't be afraid to try a bottle with a screw top, despite its reputation. These conveniently capped Carménère labels, including the rich and fruity Anakena Carménère, are often a better choice for picnics and other occasions where you might not finish the bottle.