Carignan

Another variety that has various names and identities around the Mediterranean, being Mazuelo in Spain and Bovale in Sardinia. But Carignan is most commonly associated with the Languedoc region of southern France. It offers fruitiness but also gives stuffing to blends with its firm, dusty tannins and good acidity levels. Old-vine Carignan is particularly worth seeking out, whether it be from the Languedoc or Chile’s Maule Valley; the older the vines, the more concentrated, interesting and characterful Carignan becomes. At its best, individual expressions of Carignan offer a thick red, supple and rounded but with fine, firm tannins and oodles of savoury character.