Carignan

Carignan (also known as Cariñena or Samsó in other countries) is a red wine grape variety that is widely grown in several wine regions around the world, including France, Spain, California, and South America. It is known for producing robust and full-bodied wines with high tannin levels and flavours of dark fruit, such as blackberry and plum, along with hints of spice and earthy notes.

In France, Carignan is often used as a blending grape in the southern Rhône Valley, where it is a key component in wines such as Côtes du Roussillon and Languedoc-Roussillon. It is also used to make varietal wines in the region, where it is prized for its bold and fruity character.

When grown in warmer climates, Carignan can produce high-alcohol and highly extracted wines with intense fruit flavours. When grown in cooler climates, it can produce more structured and nuanced wines with lighter fruit flavours and higher acidity.

Overall, Carignan is a versatile grape variety that can be used to produce a range of different styles of wine, depending on the winemaking techniques used and the specific growing conditions of the region.