Wines of Chile Launches #Carmenere Day to Celebrate 20th Anniversary of Its Rediscovery on November 24th

By Chilled Magazine

Wines of Chile is proud to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the rediscovery of Carmenere, the famous “lost Bordeaux variety”, on November 24th as part of the World Carmenere Day celebration.

The date will be commemorated with a Twitter chat from 9-10pm EST using hashtag #CarmenereDay. All those who join the chat will also be entered to win a Coravin and a Riedel glass and decanter set that will be delivered in time for Thanksgiving dinner.

Once thought to be Merlot, Carmenere was rediscovered in the vineyards of Chile in 1994 by ampellographer Jean Michel Boursiquot who noticed the shape of the leaves and curl of the vines was different than the merlot vines. Rescued from extinction, Carmenere is known for its distinct smokiness, spice, berry and herbaceous notes, and has become a defining variety for the Chilean wine industry.

The Carmenere Day Twitter chat aims to increase consumer awareness of the varietal, and occurs just in time Thanksgiving, a feast for which the varietal is particularly well suited. Carmenere compliments a range of flavors, including roasted turkey, cranberry sauce, and other traditional holiday accompaniments.

“We are thrilled to launch #CarmenereDay on Monday, November 24th,” said Marybeth Bentwood, Director of Wines of Chile in the US. “The varietal has evolved dramatically since its rediscovery 20 years ago. We think consumers will enjoy learning, not only about the varietal’s background but also how perfectly suited it is to pair with the diverse flavors of the Thanksgiving feast.”

The chat is open to the public and the Wines of Chile encourages all participants to follow along with the chat using #CarmenereDay. All Tweets using the hashtag will be entered in a raffle to win a Coravin and a set of four Veritas Riedel glasses with Magnum Cabernet Decanter. Select captains in the Wines of Chile’s Wine Bar War will tweet throughout the day as well as Master Sommelier Fred Dexheimer.

“The time is now for Carmenere,” concluded Bentwood, “It’s the perfect combination of interesting and delicious, which makes for a great story and a tasty Thanksgiving meal.”