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🍇 Carignan

Also known as: Carignane, Cariñena, Mazuelo
Pronunciation: kar-in-YAN /kærɪˈɡæn/
Red Origin: Languedoc-Roussillon, France

About Carignan

Carignan was once France's most planted grape, prized for its high yields and deep colour. Though often maligned for producing rustic, tannic wine, old-vine Carignan from low-yielding bush vines can be extraordinary - concentrated, complex, and age-worthy.

The best examples come from old vines (some over 100 years) in the Languedoc, where carbonic maceration tames the tannins. Carignan is also important in Châteauneuf-du-Pape blends and Spanish wines (as Cariñena/Mazuelo).

Wine Colour & Appearance

Typical colour: Deep ruby-purple

Very deeply coloured

Colour Variations by Region

Old vine Languedoc: Deep purple-black
Intensity Deep
Clarity Clear
Viscosity Medium-high

Wine Characteristics

Body
Full
Tannin
High
Acidity
High
Sweetness
Dry
Alcohol
12–13.5%

Most Carignan wines fall between 12% and 13.5% ABV, though some can reach up to 14.5%. Alcohol content can vary based on vintage, vineyard location (Languedoc-Roussillon is common), and winemaking style.

Aroma & Flavour Profile Le Nez du Vin Reference →

Aromas (Nose) [Le Nez aroma]

  • Black cherry
  • Plum
  • Herbs
  • Garrigue
  • Pepper [M43 pepper]
  • Earth
  • Smoke

Flavours (Palate)

  • Dark fruit
  • Herbs
  • Licorice
  • Tannin
  • Bitter finish

The Nose

Carignan wines often present a compelling aromatic profile beginning with vibrant notes of ripe, dark fruits like blackberry and raspberry, sometimes leaning towards cooked plum. As the wine matures, secondary aromas of spice – think black pepper and cocoa – emerge, interwoven with intriguing earthy undertones of undergrowth or even a savory, slightly salty quality. With age, tertiary notes of mineral complexity can develop, adding to the wine’s rustic and often austere character.

The Palate

Carignan wines offer a compelling profile of red berry fruit—think raspberry and cranberry—balanced by fresh, vibrant acidity and noticeable, though often well-integrated, tannins. Beyond the fruit, expect savory notes of tobacco, cured meat, and baking spice, contributing to an earthy, woodsy character often enhanced by oak aging. Whether the red *noir* or white *blanc* variety, Carignan delivers a lively, moderately alcoholic experience with a complex aromatic profile.

Viticulture

Training Systems:
Gobelet (traditional, head-trained), Cordon Royat (single or double), Spur-pruned, Vertical Shoot Positioning (VSP) - increasingly used for quality focus
Canopy Management:
Important for sun exposure and air circulation. Leaf removal is often practiced to improve ripening and reduce disease pressure.
Pruning:
Severe pruning is common to control vigor and yield. Old vines often require less pruning.
Age Designation:
There isn't a universally defined 'old vine' age, but vines over 60-80 years are generally considered old.
Characteristics:
Lower yields, smaller berries, thicker skins, increased concentration of flavors and tannins.
Drainage:
Well-drained soils are crucial. Carignan can tolerate poor soils, but waterlogging is detrimental.
Grape Variety:
Carignan (also known as Cariñena, Mazuelo, Canonica)
Harvest Method:
Typically hand-harvested, especially for quality wines.
Irrigation:
Generally drought-tolerant, so irrigation is often minimal or avoided, especially in quality-focused vineyards. However, irrigation may be necessary in very dry years or for young vines.
Management Strategies:
Preventative spraying, Good vineyard hygiene, Promoting air circulation
Maturity Indicators:
Berry flavor (moving away from green/vegetal notes), Seed color (browned), Tannin development (softening), Sugar levels (moderate, not excessively high)
Optimal Climate:
Warm to hot, Mediterranean climates are ideal. It thrives in areas with long, dry summers and moderate winters.
Preferred Soil Types:
Schist, Granite, Garrigue (herbaceous, stony soils), Clay-limestone
Regional Examples:
Languedoc-Roussillon (France), Priorat & Montsant (Spain), California (limited plantings), South Africa (Swartland)
Significance:
Old vine Carignan is highly prized. Yields naturally decrease with age, resulting in more concentrated flavors and complex wines.
Soil Influence:
Soil type significantly impacts wine character. Schist and granite contribute to minerality, while clay-limestone can provide structure.
Susceptible To:
Powdery mildew, Downy mildew, Grapevine moth, Esca (a wood disease)
Temperature Tolerance:
Relatively drought-tolerant. Can handle high temperatures, but excessive heat can lead to sunburn. Susceptible to frost damage, especially in spring.
Timing:
Late-ripening. Typically harvested in late September or October (Northern Hemisphere). Harvest timing is critical to achieve phenolic maturity.
Viticulture Overview:
Carignan is a late-ripening, high-yielding grape variety traditionally grown in the south of France and Spain. Modern viticultural practices focus on controlling yields and achieving phenolic maturity, as underripe fruit can lead to harsh tannins and green flavors. It's increasingly valued for old vine plantings which produce concentrated, complex wines.
Yield Management:
Historically high-yielding. Modern viticulture emphasizes yield reduction through pruning, green harvesting (removing bunches), and careful water management to concentrate flavors.

Grape Morphology

Skin Thickness
Medium
Berry Size
Small
Bunch Tightness
Loose
Botrytis Susceptibility
Medium

Winemaking Notes

Oak Affinity
Low
Oxidation Tendency
Moderate
MLC Typical
Yes
Ageing Potential
5-10 years

Blending Partners

Garnacha — Primary partner

Commonly blended to soften Carignan's tannins and add fruit.

Common in: Spain, Priorat, Montsant

Syrah — Secondary partner

Adds color, structure, and aromatic complexity.

Common in: Languedoc-Roussillon, Côtes Catalanes, Corbières

Grenache — Secondary partner

Contributes to a warmer, fruit-forward profile.

Common in: Languedoc-Roussillon

Notable Regions

Carignan, Languedoc-Roussillon, France A small village in the Languedoc-Roussillon region of Southern France, historically known for its Carignan (Mazuelo/Cariñena) grape production. Part of the Corbières AOC. The area features a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild winters. The soils are typically schist and granite.
Carignan, Mendoza Province, Argentina A region within Mendoza Province, Argentina, where the Carignan (Mazuelo/Cariñena) grape is grown. Often blended with other varietals like Malbec and Bonarda. The climate is arid with high altitude vineyards, resulting in concentrated flavors. Soils are diverse, ranging from alluvial to rocky.
Priorat, Catalonia, Spain (includes Carignan/Cariñena) While not *named* Carignan, the Priorat region of Catalonia, Spain, is a key area for the Cariñena (Spanish name for Carignan) grape. It's a rugged, mountainous region with *llicorella* (slate) soils. Produces powerful, concentrated wines. Considered one of Spain's finest wine regions.
Montsant, Catalonia, Spain (includes Carignan/Cariñena) Neighboring Priorat, Montsant is another Catalan region where Cariñena (Carignan) is widely planted. Similar slate soils and a Mediterranean climate. Often offers excellent value compared to Priorat wines.

Region Map

Old World vs New World

Understanding regional style differences helps identify origin in blind tasting.

🏰 Old World (Europe)

France, Spain main producers

🌎 New World (Americas, Australasia)

California old vines

Key Tells for Blind Tasting

Deep colour + high tannin + rustic herbs

Similar Grapes & Lateral Confusion

These grapes are commonly confused with Carignan in blind tasting. Here's how to tell them apart:

Mourvèdre

Why confused: similar_profile

How to distinguish: Mourvèdre is meatier, less rustic

Blind Tasting Tips

Key identifiers: Deep colour, high tannin, garrigue herbs, rustic character.

Vintage History

Notable vintages for Carignan:

2023
Warm and dry summer, leading to concentrated fruit and ripe tannins. Early harvest. Wines show a generous, forward character with notes of black cherry, garrigue, and spice. Good structure, but potentially lacking some acidity in the warmest sites. Old vine examples are excellent.
2022
Very dry year with significant heat spikes. Carignan showed well, benefiting from its deep roots. Wines are powerful and concentrated, with dark fruit, licorice, and mineral notes. Acidity is present but restrained. Requires careful cellaring.
2021
A more classic vintage with moderate temperatures and sufficient rainfall. Carignan produced wines with balanced fruit, acidity, and tannins. Notes of plum, blackberry, and earthy undertones. Good aging potential.
2020
Warm and dry, but with more consistent temperatures than 2022. Carignan thrived, producing wines with ripe fruit, smooth tannins, and a long finish. Notes of black fruit, pepper, and herbs. A very approachable vintage.
2019
Moderate growing season with cool nights. Carignan retained good acidity and produced wines with bright red fruit, floral notes, and a savory finish. A lighter-bodied style, showcasing the grape's freshness.
2018
A generous vintage with ample sunshine and moderate rainfall. Carignan produced rich, full-bodied wines with concentrated dark fruit, spice, and mineral notes. Powerful tannins require aging.
2017
A challenging vintage with spring frosts and uneven ripening. Carignan suffered in some areas, resulting in lighter-bodied wines with less concentration. Careful selection was crucial.
2016
Excellent vintage with ideal growing conditions. Carignan produced wines with exceptional balance, concentration, and complexity. Notes of black cherry, plum, licorice, and earthy minerality. Long aging potential.
2015
Warm and dry year. Carignan showed well, with concentrated dark fruit and a full body. Some wines exhibited a slightly 'baked' character due to the heat, but overall a good vintage for the variety.
2014
Cool and wet summer. Carignan struggled to fully ripen, resulting in wines with higher acidity and less concentration. A more austere style, requiring aging to soften.

Food Pairings

🌱 Plant-Based & Vegetarian
Aged cheeses
🍖 Classic Pairings
Grilled meats Cassoulet Lamb Mediterranean dishes Stews

Parentage & Genetics

Parents: Graciano

Clones

Carignan N

One of twenty-five certified Carignan clones (numbers 6, 7, 8, 9, 62, etc.). Part of a conservatory of nearly 300 clones.

Angove's Carignan (misidentified)

Initially believed to be Carignan, DNA testing revealed it was a different variety. Grown in McLaren Vale and Riverland.

Bibliography

Books and articles about Carignan:

Wine Grapes: A Complete Guide to 1,368 Varieties by Jancis Robinson, Julia Harding, José Vouillamoz (Penguin Books, 2012) ISBN: 978-0143069992

Comprehensive varietal information, including Carignan/Cariñena. Covers history, viticulture, winemaking, and regional distribution.

Carignan: Un cépage méditerranéen méconnu

A detailed article on Carignan, focusing on its Mediterranean origins and characteristics. (Often cited in academic work)

Carignan

Provides a general overview of the grape, including its history, regions, and wine styles. Includes price data.

Carignan

French language site with detailed information on Carignan viticulture and winemaking, particularly in the Languedoc-Roussillon.

Oz Clarke's New Encyclopedia of Wine & Spirits by Oz Clarke (Pavilion Books, 2015) ISBN: 978-1909886284

General wine encyclopedia with a section on Carignan, covering its characteristics and regional expressions.

"Carignan: The Workhorse Grape That's Finally Getting Its Due" by Alder, Jamie

A good overview of the recent resurgence in quality Carignan wines, particularly in Priorat and other Spanish regions.

"A Grape With a Past, and a Future" by Prial, Eric Asimov

An article discussing the history and potential of Carignan, particularly in the south of France.

Genetic diversity and relationships among old and modern grapevine varieties

Includes genetic analysis of Carignan, providing insights into its origins and relationship to other grape varieties.

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Page created: 28 January 2026 | Last updated: 29 January 2026

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Wine Colour

This section shows the typical appearance of wines made from this grape:

  • Colour swatches — Visual examples from young to aged expressions
  • Intensity — How deep or pale the colour typically appears
  • Clarity — Whether wines are typically clear, hazy, or have sediment
  • Viscosity — The "legs" or "tears" you see on the glass

Characteristics

Key structural elements that define the wine:

  • Acidity — How tart or fresh the wine tastes (low to high)
  • Body — The weight and texture in your mouth (light to full)
  • Alcohol — Typical alcohol range, sometimes with regional variations
  • Sweetness — Dry, off-dry, or sweet (where applicable)

Tannins (Red Wines)

For red wines, this section describes the tannin profile:

  • Level — Low, medium, or high tannin content
  • Texture — Velvety, silky, grippy, chalky, or sandy
  • Location — Where you feel them (front teeth, gums, cheeks, back of mouth)
  • Ageing potential — How tannins evolve over time

Aroma and Flavour Profile

Aromas (nose) and flavours (palate) are listed separately:

  • The Nose — What you smell before tasting
  • The Palate — What you taste and feel in your mouth
  • Le Nez numbers — References like [M15] correspond to Le Nez du Vin aroma kit bottles (M = Masterkit, O = Oak, F = Faults)
Tip: Le Nez Reference Click the "Le Nez du Vin Reference" link in the Aroma section header to see the full aroma reference chart.

Viticulture

Growing conditions this grape prefers:

  • Climate — Cool, moderate, or warm climate preferences
  • Soil — Preferred soil types (limestone, clay, gravel, etc.)
  • Vigour — How vigorously the vine grows
  • Challenges — Common growing difficulties (frost, rot, disease)

Notable Regions

Key wine regions where this grape excels:

  • Map thumbnails — Small preview maps for each region (where available)
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  • Wine region boundaries — Highlighted in wine-red where data is available
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Old World vs New World

Compares how the grape is expressed in different regions:

  • Old World — Traditional European expressions (France, Italy, Spain, etc.)
  • New World — Modern expressions (Australia, USA, Chile, etc.)
  • Differences in style, ripeness, oak use, and flavour profiles

Similar Grapes

Grapes that are often confused with this variety in blind tasting:

  • Why confused — What characteristics they share
  • How to distinguish — Key differences to look for

Blind Tasting Tips

Practical guidance for identifying this grape when tasting blind:

  • Key markers to look for
  • Common pitfalls and look-alikes
  • Diagnostic characteristics that set it apart

Food Pairings

Suggested foods that complement wines from this grape:

  • Vegan/Vegetarian — Plant-based options listed first, marked (ve) for vegan
  • Classic pairings — Traditional meat and seafood matches
Full guide →