CARIGNAN

The red grape variety bursting with fruit

Carignan

Also called Carignane, Carignano, Mazuelo, Bois Dur, Catalan, Plant d'Espagne.

Carignan has been widespread for centuries in the Mediterranean region. Humid climates do not suit it, it likes hot and dry conditions such as Spain where it originates, North Africa, or Central and South America. In France too, it used to be a very widespread grape variety, especially in the South of France, where it was produced in large quantities thanks to its high yields, which for a long time made it a table wine before the 1970s. Neutral and acidic wines that have tarnished its reputation. Now though, grown on old plots of its favourite terroir (clayey-limestone and schist soil), Carignan offers high quality wines. Produced in smaller yields, it now appears in many appellations of Languedoc-Roussillon or Provence in red and rosé wines. As a minority grape, its use also makes it possible to produce Vins Doux Naturels such as Maury, Rivesaltes and Banyuls. It is often blended with Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre, bringing colour, warmth and a beautiful structure to the wines. It is appreciated for its aromas of red fruits, spices and garrigue. It gives powerful and generous wines with very good ageing potential.

WHERE IS IT FOUND?
In France and all over the world

FRANCE

Languedoc-Roussillon, Provence, Rhône Valley

WORLDWIDE

Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Spain, Italy, US, Chile, Israel, Mexico, Portugal.

MAIN APPELLATIONS
By type of wine: Red, Rosé, VDN

Fitou, Priorat, Rioja, Sardinia

Maury, Rivesaltes, Banyuls

SHALL WE TASTE?
In the glass

reds

Medium to strong color. Distinguished in blending by its notes of garigue and spices (laurel, wild berries) and sometimes animal elements (leather, fur). Tannic in the mouth with peppery notes. Wines made from old vines with small yields gain in freshness and roundness, which then justifies their vinification alone.

ROSés

More fruity than Grenache, it brings body and suppleness with its generous aromas, whose typical and wild scents are recognizable.

sweet wINES

Sweet wines of character, these liqueur wines can be kept for a long time. With a tiled to amber colour, they keep the power of the sun-drenched fruit.

FOOD AND WINE PAIRINGS
Carginan and food

reds

Ideal partner for spicy dishes (moussaka, tagine, tian, couscous). Giblets, black pudding, meat in sauce (leg of lamb)...

Rosés

Raw vegetables, cold meats, fried fish, red-fleshed fish (tuna, swordfish), red meat (braised beef), ratatouille, stuffed vegetables

sweet wINES

Foie gras, blue-veined cheese. Fruity desserts (yellow or white fruits).

OUR CARIGNANS...

MORE INFORMATION

Serving: If you are lucky enough to open a Carignan varietal wine (mono-varietal), be sure to open the bottle 1 hour before serving and serve at room temperature. This will allow it to release all its sensory potential.

Amusingly, in California, 1936, Carignan was crossed with Cabernet, and gave birth to another grape variety, Ruby Cabernet. The first plantations were made in 1948, before it traveled to South Africa, Australia, Argentina, Chile, Uruguay and then all the way back to France! The modern child went back to meet its rustic roots from the South of France!

Also called Carignane, Carignane Noir, Carignane Violette, Carignano, Carignano Di Carmignano, Carignena, Carinena, Carinena Mazuela, Carinena Negra, Karignan, Karinian, Karinjan, Karinyan, Kek Carigna, Calignan, Carignan Frances, Carignan Mouillan, Catalan , Mazuelo, Bois Dur, Plant d'Espagne, Bovale Grande, Bovale Grande Di Spagna, Bove Duro, Cafalan, Cagnolaro, Cencibel, Crignane, Crinana, Crujillon, Crusillo, Girard, Girarde, Grenache Du Bois, Grenache Du Bois Dur, , Legno Duro, Legno Duro Di Portoferraio, Manuelo Tinto, Mazuelo, Manzuela, Marocain, Mataro, Mazuela, , Mollard, Monestel, Mounesteou, Pinot D'Evora, Pinot Evara, Plant D'Espagne, Plant De Ledenon, Pokovec, Pokovez, Roussillonen, Samso, Samso Crusillo, Sanso, Sopatna Blau, Tinto Mazuela, Uva Di Spagna