World Famous Grapes
Cariñena
The Cariñena grape is highly resistant to over-ripening. It grows well on old vines and in dry, warm soils.
Cariñena wines has notes reminiscent of wild red berries and produces a very good expression of fresh fruit with good acidity and dry, lively tannins.
About Cariñena
The Cariñena grape is called:
- Carignan in France
- Cariñena in Spain
- Carignano in Italy
- Mazuleo in La Rioja (Spain)
About Carignan
Carignan is found as a blendig wine all around the world:
- In many DOs in Spain
- In many AOCs in France
- In many DOCs in Italy
- In many AVAs in the USA
In France, about 30% of Carignan is plasnted in Languedoc-Roussillon, where it normally produces wines like "Vin de Pays" or "Vin de France".
In Spain it grows mainly in Aragon and Catalonia (DO Priorat and DO Montsant).
Carignan is also planted in Argentina, Australia, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Israel, Malta, Mexico, Morocco, South Africa, Tunisia and Turkey.
Cariñena Flavors
Cherry, Red Berries, and Black Currant are typical Cariñena flavors, with hints of Flowers, Herbs and Spices.
 Cherry |
 Cranberry |
 Raspberry |
 Black Currant |
 Flowers |
 Herbs |
 Spices |
 Licorice |
Flavors from Maturation and Aging
 Oak |
 Vanilla |
 Hazelnuts |
 Cured Meat |
Cariñena Profile
Cariñena is naturally high in acidity and tannins:
| SUGAR: | Dry (3 g/l) |
| BODY: | Medium |
| TANNINS: | Medium - High |
| FRUIT: | Medium |
| ACIDITY: | Medium - High |
| ALCOHOL: | 12.5-14% ABV |
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Serving temperature: 15-16°C (59-61°F) |
Cariñena Food Pairing
Cariñena is a food friendly table wine.
 Salami |
Ham |
 Chicken |
 Turkey |
 Pork |
 Lamb |
 Veal |
 Beef |
Excellent Pairings
Smoked Meat.
BBQ. Chicken. Turkey. Pork. Lamb.
Beef. Veal. Roast. Grilled.
The Ideal Glass for Cariñena
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The Bordeaux Glass was designed for enjoying fuller-bodied, tannic red wines. They are taller than other red wine glasses, and has a slimmer bowl. The tall size allows the bouquet of the wine to develop, smooth out rough edges, play down tannins, and allow the wine to achieve balance. The slimmer bowl directs the wine to the back of your mouth for a maximum taste. |
