Cuvée Alexandre Carmenère

About this wine

Carménère is Chile's signature grape, and Cuvée Alexandre channels it through Apalta's granitic soils, planted around 1940. The blend leans heavily on Carménère (typically 85-90%), with small additions of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon or Petit Verdot depending on vintage, expressing the variety's ripe dark fruit and green-pepper spice in a polished, medium-bodied style.

Sommelier's Note

"This bottle argues, better than almost any other, that Carménère deserves a permanent seat at the premium red table."

Food Pairings

A natural match for grilled or braised beef short ribs, Peking duck, and dishes with black pepper or five-spice.

When to drink it

Casual dinner parties, barbecues, and any occasion calling for a distinctly Chilean red.

Specs

Grape Varieties

Carmenère, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot

Style

Red

Alcohol

14.5%

Price Range

$24-27 (US retail)

Terroir & Winemaking

Grapes are harvested late in the season for full phenolic ripeness, fermented in stainless steel, then aged around 13 months in second- and third-use 225L French oak barrels, preserving fresh fruit character while softening tannins.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Carménère taste like in this wine?

Ripe blackberry and plum with herbal, green-pepper spice notes, medium body and soft, juicy tannins.

Is Carménère the same as Merlot?

No — Carménère was long mistaken for Merlot in Chilean vineyards until DNA testing in the 1990s revealed it as a distinct, nearly extinct Bordeaux variety that now thrives in Chile.

What food pairs best with this wine?

Grilled or braised red meats, dishes with black pepper or five-spice, and Asian-influenced barbecue all complement its spice-driven profile.