During the 19th century, Carménère was one of the most widely planted grape varieties in Bordeaux, France. However, it disappeared after a phylloxera plague devastated the vineyards, until its resurgence in Chilean soil in the 20th century.
This is the story of Carménère, a grape variety that, thanks to Chile’s unique geographical conditions and natural barriers, has been preserved to this day. It is now recognized as one of the most prominent and widely consumed varieties.
For many years in Chile, Carménère was mistaken for Merlot and was known as “Chilean Merlot,” characterized by its crimson-colored leaves, which eventually helped identify its true origin.
Chilean winemakers began noticing peculiar differences in the grapes from their vineyards. It was not exactly Merlot as initially believed but rather a deeper, more complex variety with a rich history that had been lost to time.
This changed when French ampelographer Jean Michel Boursiquot confirmed that Carménère had survived in Chile.
This discovery not only placed Chile on the global wine map but also opened a window to the fascinating story of a grape variety that seemed to have vanished without a trace.
This pivotal moment is now being documented for the first time in the audiovisual format with the documentary The Lost Grape, La Cepa Perdida, an original production by the U.S.-based platform Sunn Stream.
A Documentary Reviving History
Garret Sutton, an American lawyer, entrepreneur, author, film and TV producer, and CEO of Sunn Stream, explains:
The value of this documentary is immeasurable, not only because it revives a unique story but also because it puts into perspective the impact of this grape variety on the global wine industry. Although it took over a century to rediscover Carménère, it has become one of the most unique and successful grape varieties in modern viticulture. When we learned about this story, we didn’t hesitate and immediately began developing this project.
The documentary, whose recordings conclude with the events commemorating the 30th anniversary of this rediscovery, is currently in post-production after approximately two years of research and work.
During this process, the team has recorded 50 hours of material, including interviews and footage captured in Chile, France (Bordeaux), and the United States (Napa Valley).
A key figure in the story is Boursiquot, who has dedicated much of his life to studying grape varieties, particularly those that were “forgotten” over time.
The documentary also features around 30 interviewees, both Chilean and international, who contribute to this vibrant narrative, now captured for the first time in an audiovisual piece.
Challenges in Reconstructing History
Nicole Soulodre, Associate Producer of the documentary and a wine expert, highlights the challenges faced in piecing together this story.
It was particularly difficult to find individuals willing to openly discuss this milestone, as it involved acknowledging a mistake that many in the thriving Chilean wine industry were hesitant to admit at the time.
It was such a painful moment for the industry that the true story emerged behind the scenes. The production team had to engage in off-camera conversations with the interviewees to uncover the details.
A Legacy of Resilience
Thirty years after the rediscovery of Carménère in Chile, and in the context of Chile’s World Carménère Day, the resilience of this grape variety is undeniable. Thanks to the work of Chilean winemakers, it has carved out its place in the global wine world.
For this reason, The Lost Grape offered a sneak peek during the celebration at Viña Carmen. The documentary will be officially launched worldwide on May 25, U.S. National Wine Day, via the Sunn Stream platform.
About Sunn Stream
Sunn Stream is an ad-free subscription platform available online at SunnStream.com or through mobile and smart TV applications (iOS for iPads and iPhones, Android apps) as well as Roku, Chromecast, and Apple TV devices.
