Carnelian
Red wine grape variety
Also known as Carnelian UC
Carnelian is a red wine grape with signature aromas of black cherry, blackcurrant, plum. Structure: Medium body, Medium(+) acidity, Medium tannin, Medium alcohol. Often confused with Cabernet Sauvignon and Carignan.
Recognition cues
First checks
- Look for black-cherry and cassis fruit with ripe plum depth.
- Check structure as medium tannin with moderate acidity.
Confidence signals
- Carnelian profile
- Medium tannin with medium acidity
Aromas
Signature
Common
Occasional
Commonly confused with
Classic anchors
- Classic regions: California · Central Valley · San Joaquin Valley
- Classic styles: UC Davis red crossing of Carignan (#2098) and Cabernet Sauvignon (#1929) with Grenache (#4461) contribution for warm-climate production · Dark-fruit medium-bodied profile with moderate tannin and broad blending utility
Common questions
Is Carnelian a red or white grape variety?
Carnelian is a red wine grape variety.
What does Carnelian smell and taste like?
Signature aromas of Carnelian include black cherry, blackcurrant and plum. Structural profile: Medium body, Medium(+) acidity, Medium tannin, Medium alcohol.
What blind-tasting cues distinguish Carnelian?
Documented tells for Carnelian: Look for black-cherry and cassis fruit with ripe plum depth. and Check structure as medium tannin with moderate acidity..
What is Carnelian most often confused with in blind tasting?
Carnelian is most commonly confused with Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan and Ruby Cabernet. Resolve the call with structure and signature aromas.
Where is Carnelian grown?
Classic regions for Carnelian include California, Central Valley and San Joaquin Valley.