Typical Bordeaux variety very common in the Medoc at the beginning of the 1700s, its name seems to derive from the word “carmine” due to the particularly intense color of the wine. It was probably introduced in Italy in the 19th century together with Cabernet franc, with which it was often confused. Until 1991 it was called Cabernet franc “Italian” by Venetian winemakers but in that period the Experimental Institute for Viticulture of Conegliano (now CRA – VIT), defined its identity as a native vine and different from Cabernet franc.
CARMENERE
VINES
Ampelographic Characteristics
- posture: semi-erect;
- sprouts apex: expanded apex, velvety, light green in colour, with pink edges;
- leaf: medium size, orbicular, pentagonal; bullous flap with revolute margins; U-shaped petiole sinus, sometimes with overlapping edges; Deep lateral sinuses (more than in Cabernet franc), the upper ones closed, the lower ones in an open U;
- bunch: medium sized, cylindrical-conical, winged, loose;
- berry: small, spheroidal; very pruinose, thick, consistent, blue-black skin; special herbaceous flavor.
Phenological and production characteristics
The budding takes place in the middle of April while the maturation in the last ten days of September. It prefers loose or clayey soils which can curb its vegetative exuberance. It has low fertility of the basal gems, therefore it prefers a long pruning adapting well to expanded forms of farming. It has a medium sensitivity to downy mildew, powdery mildew and esca disease. It is not very sensitive to botrytis on the bunch, even if it is among the first vines to show early symptoms on the leaves with rainy springs. Very sensitive to the buzzer.