Carignan
Red wine grape variety
Also known as Mazuelo, Cariñena, Carignano, Bovale Grande, Bovale di Spagna, Samsó
Carignan is a red wine grape with signature aromas of ferrous earth, dried herbs, licorice. Structure: Medium(+) body, High acidity, Medium(+) tannin, High alcohol. Often confused with Grenache and Bobal.
Recognition cues
First checks
- Check for high acidity in a dark-fruited red context.
- Look for herbal-rustic edge and moderate-plus tannin.
Confidence signals
- High-acid dark-fruit profile
- Herbal and smoky rusticity
Aromas
Signature
Common
Occasional
Commonly confused with
Classic anchors
- Classic regions: Languedoc · Priorat · Maule · Cariñena
- Classic styles: Acid-driven Mediterranean red blend grape · Old-vine concentrated southern red
Common questions
Is Carignan a red or white grape variety?
Carignan is a red wine grape variety.
What does Carignan smell and taste like?
Signature aromas of Carignan include ferrous earth, dried herbs and licorice. Structural profile: Medium(+) body, High acidity, Medium(+) tannin, High alcohol.
What blind-tasting cues distinguish Carignan?
Documented tells for Carignan: Check for high acidity in a dark-fruited red context. and Look for herbal-rustic edge and moderate-plus tannin..
What is Carignan most often confused with in blind tasting?
Carignan is most commonly confused with Grenache, Bobal and Mourvedre. Resolve the call with structure and signature aromas.
Where is Carignan grown?
Classic regions for Carignan include Languedoc, Priorat, Maule and Cariñena.