Carignan (CAR-i-nyan)

The French name for the Spanish grape mazuelo which originated in northeastern Spain, probably in Aragón, and is used today in Rioja as part of the blend. In some parts of Spain (such as the Priorat which also grows a lot of the grape), mazuelo carries the name cariñena. (The French name carignan is probably derived from cariñena). Despite being an important grape in Spain, there is far more carignan growing in France. Earthy flavored and powerful, with dark color, relatively high acidity, and high tannin, it is mostly used for blending in the Languedoc Roussillon, and to a lesser extent in Provence and the Rhône. Spain, where it’s known as mazuelo, and in Priorato, where it is known as cariñena. In Italy, on the island of Sardinia, it’s known as carignano. Also grown in California where it is spelled carignane and is often a part of inexpensive blends.