Carménère wine, a varietal celebrated for its bold flavors and unique charm, holds a special place in the hearts of wine lovers. Known for its deep red hues, distinctive herbaceous and bell-pepper aroma, and vibrant notes of black fruit flavors, this versatile wine offers a robust profile that suits a variety of occasions. Originating from Bordeaux and rediscovered in Chile during the 19th century, Carménère was often mistaken for Merlot, adding a layer of mystery to its true identity. At Cellar Beast Winehouse, we craft two exceptional interpretations of Carménère: the Le Bête 2022 (60% Carménère, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon) and Dark Angel 2022 (90% Carménère, 10% Petit Verdot), each showcasing the depth and elegance of this grape varietal. Learn more about wine basics here.
What Makes Carménère Unique?
Carménère is often dubbed the "lost grape of Bordeaux" for its historical roots before thriving in Chilean wine regions like the Colchagua Valley and Maipo Valley. This grape variety, grown in estate vineyards across the largest wine-producing zones, develops its complex aromas and peppery notes in warm climates influenced by the transverse range. Its flavor profile includes enticing aromas of black fruit, green bell pepper, and bittersweet notes of cocoa powder. With structured tannins and herbal qualities, Carménère offers a balanced wine experience that appeals to fans of bodied and age-worthy wines. More about Carmenere here.
Introducing Cellar Beast's Carménère Wines
1. Le Bête 2022
Le Bête 2022 is a harmonious blend of 60% Carménère and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, sourced from the finest regions of the Yakima Valley AVA in Washington state. This robust wine matured for 14 months in French oak barrels, revealing concentrated notes of black fruit flavors, sweet raspberry notes, and green peppercorn herbal qualities. Rich raspberry sauce aromas and subtle petrichor-like minerality complement the wine’s structured tannin and earthy notes. Le Bête earned a Silver Medal at the 2024 Sommeliers Choice Awards with an 89-point rating, making it one of Cellar Beast's most exceptional wines. Originally a special release for wine club members, it’s now available for everyone.
Shop now: Le Bête 2022.
2. Dark Angel 2022
Dark Angel 2022 is an extraordinary blend of 90% Carménère and 10% Petit Verdot, offering an exceptional wine experience. This full-bodied wine is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, undergoing cold maceration to enhance its complex aromas and elegant aromas of blackberry and black plums. With bold notes of black pepper, dark fruit flavors, and bittersweet cocoa powder, it’s perfect for collectors or pairing with rich meals. The wine’s enticing aromas and concentrated flavors make it a standout bottle of wine.
Shop now: Dark Angel 2022.

Perfect Food Pairings for Carménère Wine
Carménère’s balanced acidity and herbal qualities make it an ideal partner for various dishes. A more comprehensive guide for food and wine pairing here.
Meat and Poultry Pairings
- Grilled lamb chops with rosemary and garlic.
- Herb-crusted pork tenderloin.
- Smoked duck breast with a cherry reduction.
These hearty dishes pair beautifully with the bold, black fruit flavors and peppery notes of Dark Angel 2022.
Vegetarian Pairings
- Ratatouille with eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers.
- Wild mushroom risotto with Parmesan.
- Grilled Portobello mushrooms with balsamic glaze.
The vibrant acidity of Le Bête 2022 enhances these dishes’ earthy and herbal notes.
Cheese Pairings
- Aged Manchego or Gruyère for their nutty and creamy textures.
- Gouda with hints of caramel.
Both wines—Le Bête and Dark Angel—shine with these cheeses, drawing out their bittersweet and floral notes.
Ethnic Cuisine Pairings
- Indian curries with mild spices.
- Chimichurri steak tacos.
- Korean barbecue with a sweet-and-savory glaze.
Highlight the bold, complex flavors of Dark Angel 2022 with these bolder cuisines.
Tips for Serving Carménère
To fully enjoy Carménère’s aroma intensity and nuanced flavors, serve it slightly below room temperature (around 60–65°F). Decanting for 30 minutes will enhance the wine’s distinctive herbaceous and peppercorn herbal qualities, especially for offerings like Dark Angel.
A Journey Through Time: The Persevering History of Carménère
The life of Carménère is one of survival, intrigue, and rebirth. Born in France’s Médoc region in Bordeaux, its deep-red leafed (the name taken from the French for "carmin") played a supporting role in France’s famous red blends. But its fortunes took a sharp downturn in 1867 when phylloxera decimated European vineyards. Carménère’s delicate buds, susceptible to coulure—a flowering failure in wet springs—fell victim to convenience. As Bordeaux re-planted, farmers chose heartier grapes, and Carménère disappeared in its native country, considered extinct.
Meanwhile, in a distant corner of the planet, Chile’s warm, sunny valleys kept a secret unaware. Vines misidentified as Merlot grew in Central Valley’s warm, arid climes, safe from phylloxera’s scourge, buffered by the Andes Mountains. It took 1994 and a bout of DNA testing for its secrets to spill out: almost half of Chile’s "Merlot" was actually long-lost Carménère. That happy accident kindled a renaissance. By 2009, over 8,800 hectares of Carménère grew in Chile, and it became its new role: protector of the grape worldwide.
The terroir in Chile proved perfect for its slow-maturing variety. The arid, long-growing season encouraged Carménère’s defining mix of rich black fruit and earthy pyrazines—chemical compounds offering a whisper of green peppercorn. Over years, winemakers developed techniques to mellow its herbaceous edge, blending it with Cabernet Sauvignon or Petit Verdot to intensify its rich, velvety mouthfeel.
Today, Carménère is Chile’s flagship variety, a badge of honor for having lived through it all. Today, at Cellar Beast, we pay tribute to its heritage with wines such as Le Bête 2022 and Dark Angel 2022, in which bold heritage and modern skill collide. With each sip, a journey is heard: one that takes one through under-appreciated vineyards in Bordeaux and onto warm hillsides in the Maipo Valley—a phoenix out of ashes, and one that’s enjoyed worldwide.
Why Choose Cellar Beast's Carménère?
Cellar Beast Winehouse combines passion with precision in every bottle. Le Bête 2022 and Dark Angel 2022 represent the best contemporary winemaking, with minimal intervention to let the grape’s true character shine. Whether you’re looking to enhance your collection with a bottle of age-worthy wine or searching for a delicious wine to pair with dinner, these wines promise to elevate your experience.
Shop Now:
- Explore the Le Bête 2022 for a refined and powerful Carménère blend.
- Discover the bold allure of Dark Angel 2022 to impress at your next gathering.
Conclusion
Carménère wine offers an exciting journey for wine lovers with its complex aromas, bold notes, and versatile pairings. Cellar Beast’s Le Bête and Dark Angel highlight the grape’s potential, crafted with precision and passion. Elevate your wine experience by adding these exceptional bottles to your collection today.
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