Carignan is a red wine grape that is widely planted in the Languedoc-Roussillon region of southern France. Born in Spain, it takes its name from the small town of Cariñena in Aragon which gives birth to some of the country’s, moreover, most desired red wine bottles in any wine store California
For a long time, Carignan has been thought of as an inferior grape variety; but today it is one of the most widely planted grapes in France. Many producers are reviving ancient vineyards and releasing astonishingly fruity wines that will satisfy any palette. With its wide range of styles that you can see in any online wine store, Carignan can become full-bodied or light depending on what you want from it.
Carignan Characteristics
Carignan is an ideal wine if you’re looking for something that packs a punch and doesn’t leave you feeling heavy. They are dark reds, sometimes even described as deep. It has a lot of tannins and acidity; these two qualities make the wine stand out from others.
Though it is a late-ripening grape, Carignan can survive harsh conditions. A typical harvest season for this type of vine ends in September or October when the early-season varieties are just beginning to bud. This makes Carignan one of the most reliable grapes among wine producers because they know they’ll get a good amount even if there’s an early frost or another natural disaster that harms other vines earlier in the season.
In Rioja, this grape variety is often blended with other wine grapes such as Tempranillo and Garnacha.
What Does Carignan Wine Taste Like?
When it comes to Carignan wines aromas, one thing is certain- you can find a variety of aromas just from the way it was processed. Carbonic maceration, for example, reduces tannins while retaining their fruity aroma. This type of winemaking leaves behind hints of bubblegum and banana; along with other pleasant scents such as cotton candy or roses.
In the glass, Carignan is a dark red wine with a deep purple hue. Carignan is medium to full-bodied and only moderately tannic. The flavor profile of this varietal includes fruity flavors such as cranberries, raspberries, plums, and black cherries along with hints of violets; There are even spicy undertones from chili pepper or crushed peppercorns. Aromas of spices like cinnamon, cloves, or nutmeg can also be detected adding complexity to this varietal
Carignan Wine and Food Pairing
Carignan goes well with heavy meals such as turkey roast, roasted duck, or even lamb breast when seasoned with cumin. It also pairs nicely with anything from prosciutto to mortadella; the earthy flavor is complimented by the sweetness found in this bold red.
On the other hand, Carignan could be the best wine When it comes to cooking this wine, thanks to its spicy character.
However, don’t forget that the best way to serve Carignan wine is at a temperature of around 60°F (15-18°C). This is because if you cool it down too much, it will lose its flavor, or the flavors become diluted when it’s too warm.
If you would like to taste a good Carignan wine, our choice will be Graziano Carignane. This wine is from old vines which gives a lot of complexity along with 24 months of aging in oak.
If you enjoy Carignan grape, then we recommend checking out another grape called Malbec that shares many of the same characteristics. You shouldn’t want to miss our latest blog about What Makes Malbec Different!