Carignan

Another variety that has marched around the Med, being Mazuelo in Spain (Rioja) and one of the Bovales in Sardinia. Mainly encountered in the Languedoc, it is fruity and gives stuffing to a blend with its higher tannin and acidity levels. Old-vine Carignan from Chile’s Maule Valley is perhaps its most interesting, individual expression of character; thick red fruit with a herby edge, but its best use seems to be in a blend.