China, Chile, and Italy have the largest planting of Carménère.
Carménère originated in Bordeaux in France.
In the 18th century Carménère was widely planted in Bordeaux, France.
Because the grape failed to survive the Phylloxera plague in 1867, only a very small amount is growing in France today.
DNA studies show that Carmenère is the result of a crossing between Cabernet Franc and Gros Cabernet.