Carmine
Red wine grape variety
Also known as UC Davis Carmine
Carmine is a red wine grape with signature aromas of black cherry, black pepper, mint. Structure: Medium(+) body, Medium(+) acidity, Medium(+) tannin, Medium alcohol. Often confused with Cabernet Sauvignon and Carignan.
Recognition cues
First checks
- Look for black cherry, pepper, and mint notes before naming softer-fruited blends.
- Check medium-plus tannin and acidity in a medium-plus body.
Confidence signals
- Black cherry-pepper-mint profile
- Medium-plus balanced structure
Aromas
Signature
Common
Occasional
Commonly confused with
Classic anchors
- Classic regions: California · Lodi · Sonoma
- Classic styles: UC Davis-bred red crossing used in limited commercial bottlings and blends · Medium-plus structured red with black-fruit, pepper, and herbal notes
Common questions
Is Carmine a red or white grape variety?
Carmine is a red wine grape variety.
What does Carmine smell and taste like?
Signature aromas of Carmine include black cherry, black pepper, mint and plum. Structural profile: Medium(+) body, Medium(+) acidity, Medium(+) tannin, Medium alcohol.
What blind-tasting cues distinguish Carmine?
Documented tells for Carmine: Look for black cherry, pepper, and mint notes before naming softer-fruited blends. and Check medium-plus tannin and acidity in a medium-plus body..
What is Carmine most often confused with in blind tasting?
Carmine is most commonly confused with Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan and Carmenere. Resolve the call with structure and signature aromas.
Where is Carmine grown?
Classic regions for Carmine include California, Lodi and Sonoma.