Mazuelo (ma-ZWAY-lo)

Native to northeastern Spain—probably the region of Aragon, mazuelo has dozens of synonyms in Spain and elsewhere. In Spain, in Rioja, it is known as mazuelo and is used in many Rioja blends for its acidity, tannin, and earthy flavors. But in Priorat and elsewhere in Spain, it is known as cariñena. In France, especially in the Languedoc Roussillon, Provence, and Rhône regions of southern France, it’s known as carignan. Indeed, today, despite this grape’s Spanish origins, more is grown in France. In the United States, carignan is often spelled carignane.