All About Carignan

Appearance

  • Color: Carignan wines typically have a deep red to purple hue, indicating their concentration and intensity.
  • Opacity: High opacity, reflecting the wine’s depth and richness.

Aroma

  • Primary Aromas: Red and dark fruits such as cranberry, raspberry, blackberry, and cherry.
  • Secondary Aromas: Floral notes like violet, along with hints of spice such as black pepper, clove, and cinnamon.
  • Tertiary Aromas: With aging, Carignan can develop complex aromas of tobacco, cured meat, and earthy notes.

Flavor Profile

  • Fruit Flavors: Predominantly red and dark fruit flavors, including cranberry, raspberry, cherry, and blackberry.
  • Other Flavors: Notes of baking spices (cinnamon, clove), licorice, and cured meat; in warmer climates, hints of black pepper and smoky elements may be present.
  • Oak Influence:Oak aging can add flavors of vanilla, spice, and toasty notes, enhancing the wine’s complexity and adding a layer of softness to its robust tannins.

Structure

  • Body: Medium to full-bodied, providing a substantial mouthfeel.
  • Tannins: Moderate to high tannins, which give the wine a firm structure and good aging potential.
  • Acidity: Medium-high acidity, which provides freshness and balances the wine’s bold flavors.
  • Alcohol: Ranges from 13.5% to 15%.

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Pairings for Carignan

Grilled Meats

Grilled meats, such as lamb and beef, offer rich, smoky flavors that intensify with the cooking method. The natural char and juiciness of cuts like ribeye or lamb chops make them a versatile option for a variety of occasions, from casual barbecues to elegant dinners. When properly seasoned, grilled meats balance bold flavors with tenderness, often enhanced with marinades or simple salt and pepper. The robust, smoky notes developed during grilling pair beautifully with full-bodied wines, making them a favorite for wine lovers.

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Roasted Vegetables and Mushrooms

Roasted vegetables and mushrooms, such as eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, and portobello mushrooms, create a rich, earthy dish with caramelized flavors. The roasting process enhances their natural sweetness and umami, making them a hearty, vegetarian option. These flavors pair best with wines that complement their depth without overwhelming the dish. A good pairing balances the vegetables' and mushrooms' slight sweetness and earthy tones with a wine's acidity and fruitiness​.

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Spiced Dishes

Spiced dishes, often featuring ingredients like chili, cumin, and pepper, bring intense and complex flavors to the table. These dishes can be anything from spicy curries to barbecue ribs, with heat levels that range from mild to fiery. The challenge in pairing wine with spiced dishes lies in balancing the heat while enhancing the depth of flavors. Wines with some sweetness or lower alcohol levels can help cool down the heat, while bold reds can stand up to stronger, richer spice blends​

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Popular Locations for Carignan

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