Wine
Cathal McBride on wine: Discover the subtle power of carignan
This grape has long been considered a bit player in blends but winemakers around the world are waking up to its qualities
In the Languedoc, carignan plays a mostly supporting part. In Catalonia, it’s known as carineña and has a leading role. Further afield in its native Spain, the name is mazuelo.
Whatever you call it, this is a vastly underappreciated grape. The best examples come from old vines and carignan’s robust qualities mean that a careful, experienced hand is needed to see its potential fulfilled with proportional acidity and integrated tannins.
Yet these tannic, high acidity ...
