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Similar Marselan, Caladoc, Grolleau, Pais, Wildbacher | ||
Cabernet Gernischt is the name given to a red wine grape variety used in China. Originally believed to be of European origin, and similar if not identical to Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Gernischt has since been proven to be genetically identical to Carménère.
The history of the grape dates back to the late 19th century when the Phylloxera epidemic destroyed most of the European vineyards, most notably in France. It was believed that one of the varieties lost to the European vineyards was the Cabernet Gemischt grape, an ancestor of today’s Cabernet Franc.The grape variety was introduced into the Shandong region of China in 1892 by Zhangyu Winery (or Changyu Pioneer Wine Company) At some point in time, the name was changed from Cabernet Gemischt to Cabernet Gernischt (either by intent or by misspelling).
DNA profiling carried out by grape geneticist José Vouillamoz (co-author of Wine Grapes) confirms Gernischt's relationship to two classic Bordeaux varieties, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, but shows it is, in fact, Carmenere. This explains the gamey notes and aromas of green bell pepper that mark out Cabernet Gernischt wines; these are also notably similar to Carmenere of Chile. Mistakenly called "mixed cabernet" when it arrived in China.