Carignan (Cariñena, Mazuelo) is a high-yielding Mediterranean workhorse redeemed by old vines. Young or over-cropped, it is rustic and harsh; from gnarled old bush vines in Languedoc, Priorat and Chile's Maule, it makes concentrated, vibrant reds with bright cranberry, blackberry, dried herbs and a savoury, peppery bite. A revival grape, increasingly prized.
Structure
| Body | Late-ripening, high in acid and tannin, Carignan needs heat, age and low yields to shine. Carbonic maceration tames its grip. Once dismissed as bulk wine, century-old vines now make some of the south of France's most exciting bottlings. |
|---|---|
| Acidity | High, bright. |
| Tannin | High, firm in youth. |
| Finish | Savoury and fresh, with red and dark fruit and herb. |
| Aroma | Cranberry, blackberry, dried herbs, licorice and pepper. |
Serving: 15–17°C (59–63°F). · Decanting: 30–45 minutes for old-vine bottlings.
Carignan drinking window
| Tier | Drinking window |
|---|---|
| Everyday / blend | Drink within 1–4 years. |
| Old-vine Languedoc/Maule | Best 3–10 years. |
| Priorat component | 8–20 years. |
| Vintage | Drinking window |
|---|---|
| 2017 | Drinking well now. |
| 2019 | Hold to 2029. |
| 2021 | Drink now to 2031. |
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Best dishes to pair with Carignan
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Carignan — questions answered
Why does Carignan have a bad reputation?
High-yielding, young or over-cropped Carignan is harsh and rustic — its reputation comes from decades of bulk-wine use.
What makes old-vine Carignan special?
Low-yielding century-old bush vines concentrate the fruit, taming the tannin into vibrant, savoury, characterful reds.
Is Mazuelo the same as Carignan?
Yes — Mazuelo (Spain) and Cariñena are synonyms; it adds acidity and structure to Rioja and stars in old-vine Priorat.
What food pairs with Carignan?
Grilled lamb, herb-rubbed pork and Mediterranean vegetable dishes match its savoury, peppery freshness.