The unique climate and soil characteristics of the Cachapoal Valley have earned it the prestige of being one of the world's finest origins for the cultivation of this grape variety. It is estimated that the first vines arrived in the Cachapoal Valley in the mid-19th century; however, at the time, they were believed to be Merlot.
This misconception persisted until 1994, when French ampelographer Jean-Michel Boursiquot proved that these vines actually belonged to another French variety long thought to be extinct: Carménère. Originally one of Bordeaux's most prominent red grapes, Carménère was virtually wiped out in France starting in 1860 by phylloxera—a devastating pest that destroyed European vineyards in the late 19th century. Consequently, Carménère was not replanted in Europe, and its existence faded almost into obscurity.
Its rediscovery sent shockwaves through the global wine industry, establishing Chile as home to the largest planted acreage of Carménère in the world.
The Perfect Terroir
"Peumo is the cradle, the home of Carménère. Its climate makes it one of the most ideal locations worldwide for producing this variety. A unique microclimate prevents spring frosts and keeps winter frosts at an absolute minimum—which is crucial for Carménère, as it is particularly sensitive to cold temperatures," explains Marcio Ramírez, Chief Winemaker at Concha y Toro.
Located just 130 kilometers south of Santiago, the Peumo vineyard stretches along the Cachapoal River across hill terraces of the Coastal Mountain Range. Sitting at 170 meters above sea level, it is a naturally protected haven widely regarded as one of the ultimate terroirs for Carménère.
It was right here that Concha y Toro began producing Carmín de Peumo in 2003, Chile's very first icon Carménère. For Ramírez, this terroir best expresses the finest attributes of the grape in Chile, thanks to a combination of features that create the ideal ecosystem for the variety to thrive.
Furthermore, through meticulous winemaking practices, the winery has crafted an elegant, complex wine featuring layers of black currant, tobacco, subtle spices, and floral notes. This expression has earned widespread acclaim from international wine critics, including achieving the highest score in The Wine Advocate on three separate occasions.
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