
Carignan
Learn about Carignan — taste profile, popular regions and more …
Responsible for some of the most stunning old vine red wine on the planet, Carignan has an amazing capacity to survive dry, arid climates and still produce lovely, mouthwatering wine. In Spain it goes by the name of Mazuelo and while it may have originated there in the province of Aragón (with Grenache), its popularity lies elsewhere. It spread across countries that border the Mediterranean Sea, becoming ubiquitous throughout the south of France. Today it flourishes as a blending grape in the Languedoc-Roussillon and also grows in Sardinia, mainland Italy, Turkey, Cyprus, Croatia and Northern Africa. Likewise, producers in the New World—namely California and Chile—bottle excellent single-varietal Carignan wines.
Tasting Notes for Carignan
Carignan is a medium-bodied, dry red wine with dried cranberry and raspberry fruit. It can take on an attractive savory quality with alluring notes of baking spice, black tea, black licorice or earth.
Perfect Food Pairings for Carignan
Try Carignan with seared ahi, roasted turkey or duck, lamb gyros or chops, aged Gouda or Manchego and cured meats.
Sommelier Secrets for Carignan
Historically Carignan did not enjoy the respect that it does today. In the mid 20th century, Carignan covered nearly 140,000 ha in Algeria, where it was made into low quality bulk and blending wine to supply mass-market demand.
- Pinot Noir1463
- Cabernet Sauvignon1378
- Bordeaux Red Blends1058
- Syrah/Shiraz981
- Other Red Blends964
- Merlot525
- Rhône Blends455
- Tempranillo402
- Zinfandel354
- Sangiovese311
- Nebbiolo293
- Other Red Wine173
- Cabernet Franc102
- Grenache102
- Malbec102
- Petite Sirah81
- Barbera75
- Gamay49
- Tuscan Blends48
- Mourvedre37
- Pinotage29
- Carmenere23
- Nero d'Avola22
- Dolcetto21
- Aglianico17
- Montepulciano17
- Primitivo15
- Sagrantino10
- Bonarda8
- Petit Verdot8
- Negroamaro7
- Refosco7
- Carignan6
- Touriga Nacional5
- Mencia5
- Lagrein4
- Teroldego4
- St. Laurent3
- Tannat2
- Nerello Mascalese2
- Corvina1
- Valdiguie1
- Agiorgitiko1
- Alicante Bouschet1
- Baga1
- Blaufrankisch1
- Bobal1
- Gaglioppo1
- Grignolino1
- Mondeuse1
- Zweigelt1
-
Cline Ancient Vines Carignane 2005Carignan from Sonoma County, California
-
Domaine de Nizas Carignan 2005Carignan from Languedoc, South of France, France
- WE
- WS
-
Santadi Carignano del Sulcis Terre Brune 2005Carignan from Sardinia, Italy
- RP
-
Ridge Buchignani Ranch Carignane 2005Carignan from Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California
-
Meeker Carignane 2005Carignan from Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, California
-
Cantine Sardus Pater Carignano del Sulcis Kanai Riserva 2005Carignan from Sardinia, Italy