Carignan

A very widely planted and too often disappointing grape variety grown widely in the Languédoc. Its popularity in southern France is due in no small degree to the pieds noirs who planted it extensively upon their return from Algeria where it is still grown.

Characteristics: The best Carignan wines are usually made from low yielding older vines where the vines natural propensity to over-produce is curtailed. Too often Carignan wines are acidic, tannic and bitter. Some growers have had some success using the Carbonic Maceration technique to produce softer more round and fruity examples for early drinking. At its best it will often feature in a more camio role alongside the vastly superior Syrah and Grenache Noir.

Where is it found?: Languédoc, particularly Minervois and Corbières, also in Spain's Catalonia region and in California.

Wines associated: Italy as Carignano, Spain as Cariñena and widespread in the Languédoc.

Food matches: Game, beef, cheese

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