What was once one of the most planted grape varieties in France, Carignan was overtaken by international varieties such as Merlot at the end of the 20th century, but is now enjoying a resurgence.
A grape known by many names including Cariñena, Mazuelo and Samsó in Spain, Carignano in Italy and Carignane in the United States, this red grape variety is characterised by thick-skinned berries and high-yielding vines which can retain acidity, even under the hot Mediterranean sun.
Carignan-based wines have deep colour and express aromas of red fruits like raspberry and spicy notes including cinnamon and pepper. They are often medium-bodied with a high level of austere tannins. Best examples will come from old vines (vieilles vignes) which show more concentration and elegance, either as single varietal wines or blends. Garnacha/Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre are common blending partners.
Scroll down to discover 10 Carignan wines to try from DWWA 2024
It’s likely to find Carignan-based wines coming from Southern France, especially Languedoc-Roussillon, parts of Spain and Sardinia in Italy. It is also grown to some extent in New World countries such as Chile, Argentina and South Africa.
At this year’s Decanter World Wine Awards, Spain’s Priorat renditions of this variety greatly impressed the experts with Perinet, Vinya Pendents Carinyena 2018 receiving 97 points and a Platinum medal. The wine was described by the judges as utterly superb and stylish with a delicate texture and lustrous tannins.
Chile also saw success with two Gold medals awarded; Italy and France too with a selection of 90+ point varietal wines and blends to seek out.
Carignan Day is held every year on the last Thursday in October. To celebrate, we highlight 10 awarded Carignan-dominant wines from DWWA 2024 to try., with more to search at awards.decanter.com
International Carignan Day: 10 awarded wines to celebrate with
Chile
Longaví, Soberano, Maule 2021
Gold, 95 points
Striking fresh raspberries and wild flowers with a savoury lick of roasted red pepper laced with enriching tannins and pure acidity which invite you to take another sip. Alcohol 13.5%
Viña Terranoble, Azara Carignan, Maule 2022
Gold, 95 points
A delicious fluidity of pomegranate and berry fruit and lively rose florals which bounce joyously over the racy acidity and expressive tannins. Lovely flair and typicity. Alc 13.9%
Bouchon, Vigno Carignan, Maule 2021
Silver, 93 points
Vibrant and bright, with aromas of spiced berry fruit, palate of minty eucalyptus, sour cherry and garrigue. Alc 13.5%
Viña Undurraga, T. H. Carignan, Maule 2022
Silver, 93 points
Brooding and dark, with a nose of cherry liquor, hints of red cherry, dark plum and plush berry fruit on the palate. Alc 14.5%
France
Gérard Bertrand, Cuvée 100, Corbières-Boutenac, Languedoc-Roussillon 2021
Silver, 93 points
Generous nose with depth, earthy notes, tobacco, smoke, leather, sweet red plums and cherry. Rich and very concentrated palate. Alc 14%
Abbotts & Delaunay, Vieilles Vignes Carignan, IGP Pays d’Oc, Languedoc-Roussillon 2022
Silver, 91 points
Restrained nose, showing aromas of dark plums and cherries, with touches of black tea. Smooth texture, ripe and round tannins. Alc 13.5%
Italy
Cantina Santadi, Terre Brune, Carignano del Sulcis Superiore, Sardinia 2019
Silver, 94 points
Dark cherry, blueberry followed by hint of ink and graphite, classy aromatic garrigue herbs with fine and juicy tannins. Alc 15%
Spain
Perinet, Vinya Pendents Carinyena, Priorat 2018
Platinum, 97 points
Utterly superb and stylish; laden with indulgent ripe fruit and spine-tingling smoky notes which lap gently against the delicate texture and lustrous tannins and infuse the enriching swirl of acidity, evoking its origins perfectly. Long and abiding. Alc 16%
Sandra Doix, Marla, Priorat 2020
Silver, 94 points
Extremely refined, amazingly delicate and complex, herbal and savoury on the nose. Long and multilayered on the palate, smoky finish. Alc 14.5%
Buil & Giné, Samsó, Priorat 2019
Silver, 92 points
Quite oaky nose with savoury garrigue notes and sweet fruits on the nose. Very generous on the palate, balsamic nuances. Alc 15%
