Chapter 20 - Carmenère, Malbec and Pinotage

Question 1

Where are Carmenère, Malbec and Pinotage mainly grown?

Answer 1

• Regional specialty grapes
• Carmenère: Chile
• Malbec: Argentina
• Pinotage: South Africa

Question 2

What are characteristics of Carmenère?

Answer 2

• Originally from Bordeaux, but rarely found now
• Grows in the warmest and sunniest sites of Central Valley
• Produces wine with pungent herbaceous characters such as green bell pepper and tomato leaf
• When ripe, black-fruit flavours (blackberry) and herbal notes (eucalyptus)
• Deeply coloured, medium to high acidity
• High tannins, full body
• Often matured in oak that adds coffee and chocolate flavours
• Tertiary flavours in outstanding wines
• Can be found as single-varietal, but most often blended with Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot

Question 3

What are characteristics of Malbec?

Answer 3

• Majority of plantings in high-altitude region of Mendoza
• Deeply colours, full-bodied wines
• High tannins, black fruit flavours (blackberry, black plum)
• Single varietal, but also blended with Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot

Question 4

What are characteristics of Pinotage?

Answer 4

• Developed specifically for South Africa
• Closely related to Pinot Noir
• Grown throughout Western Cape
• Medium tannins, high acidity
• fruity, medium-bodied wines to powerful full-bodied ones
• Cape Blends: If blended with Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot