Carignan Grape variety guide: history, French regions, taste & food pairing
Carignan (Carignane, Cariñena) is a robust Mediterranean red grape, once France's most planted variety and today the source of characterful old-vine wines across the Languedoc and Roussillon.
Learn more about Carignan
History & origins
Carignan originated in Aragón in northeastern Spain, near the town of Cariñena, and spread across the Mediterranean. After phylloxera it was massively planted in the Languedoc for its high yields, and by the 1960s it covered more than 200,000 hectares in France. Large-scale uprooting followed, but century-old bush vines on poor soils now produce some of the region's most exciting reds.
French regions & appellations
Corbières, Minervois, Fitou, Faugères, Saint-Chinian, Languedoc, Côtes du Roussillon, Collioure and IGP Côte Vermeille; also Vin de France old-vine cuvées.
Taste profile
Medium to full body with high acidity and firm tannins, showing black and red cherry, cranberry, plum, licorice, dried herbs, baking spice and a rustic, earthy finish.
Food pairing
Cassoulet, lamb stew, beef daube, grilled sausages, wild boar, ratatouille, pizza, Manchego and aged sheep's cheeses.