Carignan
Carignan comes from Spain, where it is called both Mazuelo and Cariñena. It is a grape variety that is sometimes described as extreme: it can be very productive, with very high acidity, intense color and tannins.
Informations
Origin: Spain (Aragon)
Location within the Rhône Valley: Southern Rhône Valley
Plantings within the Rhône Valley AOCs: More than 4 000 hectares
In the vineyards
Ampelography: Very large leaves
Bunch and berries: Medium-sized to large bunches and berries
Maturity: Late-ripening
Characteristics: Vigorous and productive, regular, which requires a lot of heat, and is not sensitive to drought nor wind.
Terroir: Suited to poor and dry soils, in particular hot and dry hillside soils.
In the cellars
Characteristics: In less fertile soils and on hillsides, Carignan produces a wine of beautiful color, structure and tannin. Its vinification using carbonic maceration allows the maximum aromas to be extracted.
Wine styles: Still dry red and rosé wines
Fun facts
Carignan is the 3rd most planted grape variety in the Rhône Valley, ahead of Mourvèdre!