Carignan

Red

Warm climate

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

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.

Climate

Warm

Regions

3 regions

Color

Red

Typical Structure & Aromas

Typical profile for this variety. Style varies by region, climate, and winemaking.

Structure

Body

Full

Tannins

Firm

Sweetness

Dry

Acidity

Bright

OakPossible

Aromas

Young

black cherry plum blackberry rosemary

Aged

leather wet earth fig garrigue

Explore the aroma wheel →

Where Carignan grows

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 sausage

Braised short ribs with rosemary and red wine reduction

Grilled lamb chops with herbes de Provence

Beef daube Provençal with olives and orange zest

Wild boar ragu with pappardelle pasta

Aged Manchego cheese with marcona almonds and quince paste

Want to try Carignan? Add it to your Discoveries and tick it off when you find the right one.

Similar to Carignan

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.