Bunches are vigorous, but not very plentiful. They consist of medium-size blue berries that ripen late. Sandy soils are preferable.

These are generic growing characteristics of this varietal.  Rootstock selection will impact the production, ripening and growth patterns of any varietal material.

When harvested just before ripe, the wines taste of capsicum and herbaceous flavors.

When harvested at just ripe, flavors such as red berry, black pepper, and sometimes tomato prevail.

At full maturity, the wines lose acidity and taste like blackberry and blue berry, with overtones of chocolate and coffee with soy sauce.

A natural cross between Cros Cabernet and Cabernet Franc, the first written records of Carmenere are in 1783. This older variety originates in Gironde, France. This variety is now popular in Chile and China.