Carignan

Carignan is a red grape with deep Mediterranean roots, thought to have originated in Spain’s Aragon region and named after the town of Cariñena. From there, it spread widely through trade and migration, eventually becoming especially important in southern France. In places like Languedoc-Roussillon, Carignan thrived in hot, dry conditions and for a long time was one of the most widely planted grapes in the region, valued for its productivity and structure.

In the vineyard, Carignan is vigorous and naturally high-yielding, with small, thick-skinned berries that produce deeply colored, firmly structured wines. It loves warmth and sunshine, and when yields are controlled, the grape can show far more character than its bulk-wine reputation once suggested. Though plantings have declined over the years, Carignan still turns up in regions like Catalonia, Sardinia, California, and parts of South America.

In the glass, Carignan tends toward dark fruit flavors like blackberry and black cherry, often backed by spice, herbs, and a slightly rustic edge. Acidity is usually lively, tannins can be firm, and the wines often benefit from time to soften and come together. In recent years, old-vine Carignan has enjoyed a quiet revival, with winemakers highlighting its ability to express place and produce serious, age-worthy wines when treated with care rather than excess.