Carignan

A black grape variety known by many different local names, including Carignan (France), Cariñena (Spain), Mazuelo (Rioja) and Carignano (Sardinia). A late ripening variety, Carignan is well suited to warm climates with long ripening seasons. The variety grows very well in the Languedoc-Roussillon region in the South of France, on the Italian island of Sardinia as well as across Spain (where the variety is thought to have originated). Carignan produces red wines with high acidity, evident tannin and depth of colour, with black fruit character and spicy, earthy complexity. Made as both single varietal wines and used as a key component in powerful red blends. Carignan wines are typically unoaked.