by Kim McCullough, Co-Founder and Owner of Cellar Beast Winehouse
Introduction
There’s something utterly mesmerizing about discovering an old-world grape that nearly vanished from history. Carmenere, once lost to the annals of Bordeaux, now thrives under the Chilean sun and—surprisingly—in select vineyards of Washington state. As a co-founder of Cellar Beast Winehouse, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with this difficult grape and watching it transform into a bold, silky, and richly expressive wine. Carmenere’s deep crimson color, structured tannins, and flavors of cherry, spice, and green peppercorn make it a standout for those who love full-bodied, balanced wines with a story to tell. Our 2022 vintages, La Bête and Dark Angel, are the culmination of this journey. They’re handcrafted from 100% single-varietal Carmenere grapes grown from 48-year-old vines at Pontin del Roza Vineyard in Yakima, WA—and they are now available for delivery.
What is Carmenere Wine?
Originally hailing from the famed Bordeaux region, Carmenere was believed to be extinct after the Phylloxera epidemic devastated European vineyards in the 19th century. It wasn’t until the 1990s that Chilean growers discovered the grape thriving among their Merlot vines. Today, Chile is the largest producer of Carmenère, particularly in the Colchagua and Cachapoal Valleys, but this ancient grape variety is also gaining ground in the U.S.
Carmenere is known for its deep crimson color, moderate tannins, and vibrant acidity. Its distinct aroma includes green peppercorn, red berries, and cocoa powder, making it a striking alternative to Merlot or Cabernet. At Cellar Beast, we source our Carmenère from the Yakima Valley’s Pontin del Roza Vineyard, a site that mirrors the warm climate and granite-like minerality of Chile’s finest terroirs.
Carmenere Wine Tasting Notes
How to Taste Carmenere
Tasting Carmenere is an experience. Begin with its expressive aromas: charred poblano, rich raspberry sauce, and a dusting of white pepper. On the palate, Carmenère delivers a silky texture with structured tannins and layers of blackberry and sour cherry fruit, along with hints of spice. The 2022 Dark Angel, aged for 17 months in French oak (26% new), showcases these qualities with finesse. It’s a complex, age-worthy wine that still offers immediate charm.
Serving and Pairing
Serve Carmenere at 60–63°F in a large Bordeaux glass to enhance its bouquet. It pairs beautifully with grilled skirt steak, roasted vegetables, and smoky cheeses like Cotija or aged goat cheese. The herbal and peppery notes elevate dishes that feature bitter greens or earthy mushrooms.
Why Choose Carmenere from Cellar Beast Winehouse?
Our winemaking philosophy at Cellar Beast is rooted in Old World techniques with a New World spirit. Each grape is hand-harvested and fermented with minimal intervention to highlight the grape’s inherent qualities. Carmenere is notoriously difficult to grow, but when nurtured properly, it yields exceptional wines. Our 2022 La Bête is a bold expression of this varietal, offering dark fruit flavors and a bittersweet finish that lingers.
Both La Bête and Dark Angel are limited-production, small batch Carmenere wines—true cellar-worthy reds crafted for connoisseurs. Order online and enjoy nationwide delivery or bundle them into a curated Carmenere wine gift set for the perfect present.
Conclusion
Carmenere is a distinctive grape with bold flavors, a rich history, and undeniable charm. Whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or a curious sipper, now is the perfect time to experience its elegance. Explore our cellar-aged Carmenere wine online, featuring 2022 La Bête and Dark Angel. For a limited time, enjoy free shipping on all Carmenere red wine delivery orders or build your own Carmenere wine pairing box.
About the Author
Kim McCullough is the co-founder and co-owner of Cellar Beast Winehouse. Her passion for fine wine, meticulous eye for detail, and dedication to education and hospitality fuel her leadership. With years spent curating experiences and collaborating with winemakers like Matt Check and Aaron Gratch, Kim brings a unique blend of business acumen and wine enthusiasm to the Cellar Beast team. She is proud to guide guests toward exceptional wines and unforgettable moments, starting with your next bottle of Carmenere.
