Carignan

Summary

Carignan is a late-ripening, thick-skinned red grape variety that was once the world’s most planted wine grape, peaking at over 200,000 hectares in France alone during the 1960s. While declining due to EU vine-pull schemes, approximately 90,000 hectares remain globally. The variety’s reputation has undergone significant rehabilitation: once dismissed as a bulk wine grape, old-vine Carignan from Priorat, Languedoc, and Chile now produces wines of remarkable concentration and complexity. Carbonic maceration is often employed to soften its naturally high tannins and acidity.

Identity & Synonyms

Official Name: Carignan Noir
VIVC Database: VIVC Entry #2098
Prime Name: CARIGNAN (VIVC)
Berry Color: NOIR (Black/Blue-black)

Synonyms:

• Carignane (California)
• Cariñena/Carinyena (Spain)
• Mazuelo (Rioja)
• Samsó (Catalonia)
• Bovale Grande (Sardinia)

Genetic Origin / Pedigree

Origin: Spain (Aragon—named after town of Cariñena)

Parentage:

• Unknown - ancient Spanish variety
• DNA studies confirm Spanish origin
• Parent of Graciano (Carignan × unknown)

Historical Documentation: Native to Aragon; documented since at least 12th century; spread throughout Mediterranean.

Global Distribution

Total Area Planted: ~90,000 hectares globally (declining)

Top Producing Countries (ha):

1. France - ~45,000 ha (Languedoc-Roussillon)
2. Spain - ~15,000 ha (Priorat, Rioja, Cariñena)
3. Algeria - ~10,000 ha (North African wine history)
4. Italy - ~5,000 ha (Sardinia as Bovale Grande)
5. Chile - ~5,000 ha (Maule Valley)
6. USA - ~3,000 ha (California)

Planting Trends:

• Declining: France (EU vine-pull subsidies)
• Stable/increasing interest: Old-vine valuations; premium production

Viticulture

Phenology:

• Bud burst: Late (frost protection)
• Flowering: Late
• Véraison: Late
• Harvest: VERY LATE (October-November)
• Growing season: 200-220 days

Vigor: High.

Fertility: Very high - 2.5-4.0 clusters per shoot.

Typical Yield:

• Bulk production: 80-150 hl/ha (historically)
• Quality appellations: 40-60 hl/ha
• Old vines (Priorat): 15-30 hl/ha

Disease Sensitivities:

• Powdery mildew: HIGH susceptibility
• Downy mildew: Medium
• Dead arm (Eutypa): HIGH susceptibility

Climate Fit:

• Optimal: Hot, dry Mediterranean
• Growing Degree Days: 2,800-3,500 GDD (base 10°C)
• Requires significant heat for full ripeness
• Late bud burst provides frost protection

Soil Preferences:

• Llicorella (slate) (Priorat): Premium quality
• Schist (Languedoc): Structured wines
• Limestone: Good acidity retention

Enology

Typical Must Parameters at Harvest:

• Sugar content: 23-27 °Brix
• pH: 3.3-3.7
• Titratable acidity: 5.5-8.0 g/L (naturally HIGH)
• Potential alcohol: 13-15% ABV

Varietal Challenges:

• Very high tannins
• High natural acidity
• Can be harsh without careful vinification
• Requires old vines for concentration

Vinification Techniques:

Carbonic Maceration:

• Common approach to soften tannins
• Emphasizes fruit character
• Reduces harsh astringency
• Languedoc standard practice

Traditional Maceration:

• Extended maceration for old-vine wines
• Tannin polymerization
• Premium Priorat approach
• Requires fully ripe fruit

Oak Aging:

• Moderate oak for integration
• French or American oak
• Duration: 12-24 months
• Large format reduces harsh oak influence

Aging Potential:

• Basic: 2-5 years
• Old-vine/Premium: 10-25 years
• Top Priorat: 20-40 years

Sensory & Chemical Markers

Chemical Composition:

• Total anthocyanins: 600-1,000 mg/L (high)
• Total tannins: 4.0-6.0 g/L catechin equivalents (VERY HIGH)
• Total acidity: High for warm-climate red

Key Aroma Compounds:

• Fruit: Black cherry, plum, blackberry
• Garrigue: Herbs, lavender, thyme (Mediterranean)
• Earth: Mineral, slate (terroir-driven)
• Spice: Black pepper, licorice

Sensory Profile:

Young Carignan (high-yield):

• Visual: Deep ruby
• Aromatic: Simple, red fruit, herbs
• Palate: High tannin, high acid, rustic

Old-Vine Carignan (Priorat):

• Visual: Deep purple-black
• Aromatic: Complex dark fruit, garrigue, mineral, slate
• Palate: Full body, concentrated, fine tannins, exceptional length

Common Enological Issues

Extreme Tannin Management

• Cause: Thick skins; inherently very high tannin.
• Risk: Harsh, astringent wines.
• Decision point: Carbonic maceration; gentle extraction; extended aging; old vines.

High Natural Acidity

• Cause: Genetic characteristic; late ripening.
• Risk: Acidic, angular wines.
• Decision point: Full ripeness; MLF; blending with lower-acid varieties.

Powdery Mildew Susceptibility

• Cause: Genetic susceptibility.
• Risk: Vineyard losses; compromised fruit quality.
• Decision point: Spray program; canopy management.

Yield vs. Quality Trade-off

• Cause: Naturally very high-yielding.
• Risk: Dilute, characterless wines at high yields.
• Decision point: Old vines (self-regulating); green harvest; quality-focused viticulture.

Operational Considerations

Old-vine value:

• Old vines (60+ years) self-regulate yields
• Concentration and complexity increase
• Root depth provides drought tolerance
• Premium pricing justified

Harvest timing:

• Very late harvest (October-November)
• Full phenolic ripeness essential
• Balance sugar and acid

Blending role:

• Adds color, tannin, structure
• Traditional Languedoc blends (GSM + C)
• Priorat: Often co-fermented with Grenache

Key Regions & Appellations

Priorat DOQ (Catalonia, Spain)

Official Regulation: Spanish DOQ

• Role: Often majority of blend with Grenache
• Old vines: 60-100+ years common
• Soil: Llicorella (slate)
• Characteristics: Concentrated, mineral, age-worthy

Languedoc-Roussillon AOC (France)

Official Regulation: Various AOCs

• Role: Blending variety (declining)
• Traditional: GSM + Carignan blends
• Revival: Old-vine varietal bottlings
• Characteristics: Variable; old vines excel

Rioja DOCa (Spain)

Official Regulation: Rioja DOCa

• Name: Mazuelo
• Role: Minor blending variety (~5% of plantings)
• Characteristics: Adds color, acidity, structure

Cariñena DO (Aragon, Spain)

Official Regulation: Spanish DO

• Significance: Grape’s namesake region
• Status: Minority variety in own appellation (Garnacha dominant)

Research & References

• VIVC (2025). “Carignan - Vitis International Variety Catalogue.” Entry #2098

• Robinson, J., Harding, J., & Vouillamoz, J. (2012). “Wine Grapes.” Penguin Books. Publisher Link Carignan entry.

• DOQ Priorat (2025). https://www.doqpriorat.org

• Conseil Interprofessionnel des Vins du Languedoc (2025). https://www.languedoc-wines.com

---

Last Updated: January 6, 2026
Research Grade: WSET Diploma / Master of Wine level