Mediterranean blue grape (called cariñena in Spanish) that probably originated in Aragon. Carignan needs a warm, dry environment, in which it produces wine with a lot of colour, acidity, tannin and spice. Until recently, it played a leading role in the Languedoc, but the planting has shrunk considerably. Carignan is still an important part of blends. Especially with old vines with low yields, the grape shows what it is worth.

What does the Carignan taste like?

The carignan grape produces a wine with an intense red colour and a high tannin content, acidity and aromas of red fruits, spiciness (black pepper, cinnamon). Firm and strict are the carignan wines. Because of this, the carignan is widely used to mix with other grapes such as syrah and cinsault. As a blended wine, the carignan adds a sizable backbone.