All the winners from the Global Carmenère Masters 2023

The Carmenère variety is difficult to grow and to ripen in Bordeaux’s fickle climate, so Merlot and hardier Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc became the preferred grape varieties there. Carmenère’s saviours were its exports, to Northern Italy and, perhaps surprisingly, to Chile. Today Chile is Carmenère’s power base. In the mid-19thcentury the grape was planted there as a field blend with Merlot. In Chile Carmenère thrives because of the warmer, drier climate, which allows a longer ripening period.

Carmenère, when harvested fully ripe, produces beautiful wines, as we have discovered in our first Carmenère Global Masters competition. With the ancient Cabernet Franc variety in its DNA, Carmenère has a familial relationship with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, and its flavours can mimic either of those varieties—or both, as we found during our judging process.

Often the wines’ flavours have Victoria plum fruit and the green capsicum of Merlot, with just a little more acidity and tannin to balance. When very ripe, the palate shows blackcurrant and bramble, and dense tannins similar to Cabernet Sauvignon. Like both of those varieties, Carmenère has an affinity with oak maturation, whether the vanilla-coconut of American barrels or the toastycedarwood of French barriques.

And, like its relatives, the Cabernets and Merlot, Carmenère works very well in blends.

Carmenère is a grape variety that should be embraced by discerning wine consumers. The wines are also, and importantly, exceptional value for money. At every price point they deliver a satisfying drink, packed with excellent fruit expression framed by zesty acidity and well-integrated tannins.

Unoaked 100% Carmenère

Oaked 100% Carmenère

Oaked 100% Carmenère, continued

Oaked Carmenère Blend

About the competition

With high-quality judges and a unique sampling process, The Carmenère Masters provides a chance for your wines to star.

The 2023 competition was judged on 20 April at Rotunda, London, employing experienced judges.

The top wines were awarded Gold, Silver, or Bronze medals according to their result, and those expressions that stood out as being outstanding received the ultimate accolade – the title of Carmenère Master.

This report features the medal winners only. Please visit the Global Masters website for more information, or, to enter future competitions – giving you the chance to feature online and in print – please call: +44 (0) 20 7803 2420 or email Sophie Raichura.