Grape · Red

Carignan

Also known as Cariñena in Spain, Carignano in Sardinia or Mazuelo in Rioja

Warm climate

About

High-yielding, late-ripening grape from Spain (Carinena). Naturally high in acidity and tannin; old-vine examples from southern France produce concentrated, characterful wines. Often softened by carbonic maceration or blending with Grenache.

Typical profile

Body

Full

Tannins

Firm

Acidity

Bright

Sweetness

Dry

Aromas

What the grape gives up young, and what it grows into with time in bottle.

Young · fresh from the glass

black cherry plum blackberry rosemary

Aged · develops with bottle time

leather wet earth fig garrigue

Explore aromas

Oak influence

Possible

Growing regions

How the grape expresses across places, grouped by country. Chips call out how a region's style deviates from the grape's default.

France

Languedoc-Roussillon

Old-vine Carignan produces concentrated, characterful reds. Key variety in Fitou and Côtes du Roussillon blends. Old-vine Carignan from the garrigue yields concentrated, characterful reds

Spain

Montsant

Known as Cariñena (or Samsó), valued for its acidity, grip, and savory character. Old-vine Carignan from Montsant produces some of Spain's most structured, age-worthy reds

Priorat

Old-vine Carignan on Priorat llicorella schist. Dense, savoury blackberry and dried herb, with bright acidity and an iron-rich, graphite signature; the Garnacha counterpart.

Food pairings

Cassoulet with duck confit and Toulouse sausageBraised short ribs with rosemary and red wine reductionGrilled lamb chops with herbes de ProvenceBeef daube Provençal with olives and orange zestWild boar ragu with pappardelle pastaAged Manchego cheese with marcona almonds and quince paste

Similar grapes

Nero d'Avola

black cherryplumblackberry

Malbec

black cherryplumblackberry

Baga

black cherryplumblackberry

Dornfelder

black cherryplumblackberry

Montepulciano

black cherryplumblackberry

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Carignan taste like?▼

Carignan offers bold flavors of dark cherry, plum, and blackberry when young, with high acidity and tannins that give it structure. The wines are naturally robust and can be quite intense, especially from old vines.

Where does Carignan grow best?▼

Carignan thrives in warm climates and originally comes from Spain's Cariñena region. It performs exceptionally well in southern France, where old vines produce some of the most characterful and concentrated examples.

What food pairs with Carignan?▼

The grape's high acidity and bold fruit flavors make it excellent with grilled meats, hearty stews, and Mediterranean dishes. Its robust tannins can stand up to rich, savory foods like braised lamb or barbecued pork.

How does Carignan age?▼

With age, Carignan develops complex aromas of leather, earth, dried fruit, and spice. The initially high tannins soften over time, allowing the wine's underlying fruit character to integrate beautifully with these earthy, savory notes.

Is Carignan similar to other similar grapes?▼

Carignan shares similarities with other high-acid, high-tannin varieties like Mourvèdre and Petite Sirah in terms of structure. Like these grapes, it benefits from blending or carbonic maceration to soften its naturally intense character.