Carignan (Cariñena, Mazuelo)

Carignan is a grape of many names and homes—it’s native to Spain (as Cariñena) but became more famous as a key blending grape in southern France. It’s celebrated for its ability to add color, acidity, and structure to red blends.

Varietal Origin: Carignan’s origins trace back to Aragon, Spain, where it is known as Cariñena. Despite its Spanish roots, it found significant fame in France, particularly in the Languedoc-Roussillon region. It is also grown in Italy, the United States, and parts of North Africa. In Rioja, it is referred to as Mazuelo, where it plays a supporting role in blends.

Typical Taste Profile: Carignan wines are typically medium- to full-bodied with flavors of blackberry, black cherry, and plum, along with savory notes of smoke, leather, and earth. With its naturally high acidity, firm tannins, and deep color, it can deliver wines with great structure and a rustic edge. Old-vine Carignan tends to produce more concentrated and complex wines with softer tannins.

Regional Styles:

Spain (Cariñena, Mazuelo): In Rioja, Carignan (Mazuelo) is used primarily in blends to add acidity and color. In Cariñena DO and Priorat, it can be made into bold single-varietal wines or blended with Garnacha and Syrah for complexity.

France (Carignan): In Languedoc-Roussillon, it is a key component in GSM (Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre) blends and is often vinified as vin de pays or single-varietal wine from old vines. These wines are known for their rustic charm and depth.

California (Carignan): In the USA, old-vine Carignan is celebrated in places like Mendocino, where it produces juicy, fruit-forward wines with a balance of acidity and spice.

Italy and North Africa: Carignan is grown in Sardinia and Algeria, often used in blends for robust and structured wines.

Carignan is a versatile varietal, capable of producing everything from rustic, food-friendly reds to concentrated, age-worthy wines from old vines. It’s a grape that thrives when given proper care and respect