Carignan
Origin
Spanish black grape variety from the region of Aragon, it was introduced in France in the twelfth century. It developed there and soon became the first grape cultivated in France.
It is concentrated in three southern regions: Languedoc-Roussillon, Provence and, to a lesser extent, Corsica.
Character
An often unfairly maligned varietal. It has suffered from being grown in the plains in areas of high yields unfavourable to its expression.
Today, Languedoc winemakers are returning Carignan to its authentic features, preserving its old vines on well-exposed hillsides or on clay and limestone soils.
Indeed, on good soils and when it is aged, Carignan can produce wines of great character. It expresses aromas of red fruit accompanied by notes of spice and garrigue scrubland, while its body is structured around softened tannins, without astringency.