Carignan
Definition - What does Carignan mean?
Carignan is a wine grape with black skin that native to the wine region of Aragon, Spain. It is widely planted in the northeast of Spain and the Languedoc-Rousillon region of France. The grape expresses high tannin and acidity and is mainly used as a blending grape. It has the ability to add flavors of dark fruit and spice to other wines which lack these characteristics.
WineFrog explains Carignan
Carignan is a black-skinned wine grape found originally from Aragon, Spain where it is locally called Cariñena . It is also widely planted in regions of the western Mediterranean. Outside of Spain, it is cultivated in the Languedoc-Rousillon region of southern France.
The variety has been linked to have the same DNA as Mazuelo from the region of Rioja.
The popularity of the grape is due to its ability to produce high yields. It is rare to find a single varietal wine of Carignan, as it is more often preferred as a blending grape. Its deep coloring, high acidity and tannin structure make it ideal to blend with other wines to add structure, aroma and flavor.
