Cabernet Sauvignon vs Carmenère
Cabernet Sauvignon
A firmly tannic black grape with blackcurrant at its core, central to the Médoc in Bordeaux and strongly associated with Napa Valley.
- Blackcurrant
- Firm tannin
- Deep color
Recognize it
Firm, drying tannin and full body define the structure. Blackcurrant is the classic fruit marker, with leafy or bell-pepper notes more common in cooler sites or vintages.
Carmenère
A deeply colored Bordeaux grape now strongly associated with Chile, usually combining dark plum with a savory herbal or peppery edge.
- Dark plum
- Savory green pepper
- Deep color
Recognize it
Deep color with dark plum and a distinct savory green note, such as peppercorn or capsicum. Less-ripe examples can show more of that herbal character.
How they compare
- SimilarDark fruit and an herbal edge.
- DifferenceCabernet Sauvignon usually has firmer tannin.