Carignane-An Unexpected Surprise!

I enjoy wandering through a wine shop looking at all the wines available, some familiar and some not so familiar. Lately I’ve been exploring Italian wines, learning about unfamiliar grapes and regions and trying to find new wines to taste.

 

What a pleasant surprise I had recently when I discovered a new wine, not from Italy, but from a familiar source much closer to home, Cline Cellars, at one of my favorite wine shops, Fezziwig’s Marketplace. The wine:  Cline Ancient Vine Carignane.

 

Carignane (Karen-yawn) is a widely planted grape in Southern France, especially Languedoc-Roussillon and Provence regions. It is grown mainly as a grape to blend with Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvédre and as a table wine in France. The French began widespread planting of this grape after Algeria became an independent nation and France lost its inexpensive source for Carignane. In Spain the grape is known as Mazuelo (mah-zoo-eh-loh) and is grown in the Rioja region for blending with Tempranillo in the production of Reserva and Grans Reserva Riojas. In Italy Carignane is known as Carignano and grows best in the Southwest corner of Sardinia. Carignane is also grown in Algeria and California.

The Carignane grape is bluish-black in color with large round, thick skins. It is not usually known for its aroma. This variety is known to mutate like the Pinot Noir grape. France recognizes 25 clones of the Carignane grape. It is naturally high in acidity and tannins which adds to its value as a blending grape. It is known for high yields and requires a long, warm growing season.

So you may be wondering what possessed me to write about a grape that is mainly used as a work horse blending grape. The answer to that question is ancient vines! Ancient Vine Carignane is believed to have stronger aromas with notes of black plum and vegetal aromas. And they naturally have lower yields which elevate the tasting experience. I found this to be the case when I had my first bottle of Carignane.




When I first opened the 2010 Cline Ancient Vine Carignane I found the nose to be an explosion of chocolate, dark fruits, and cloves. I so much enjoyed the nose on this wine that I couldn’t wait to try it! I was not disappointed. This wine has wonderful dark berry flavors with a nice touch of spice. Just think Zinfandel, but bigger and bolder. I found it to be nicely balanced, and would pair well with firm cheeses, pizza, grilled meats, and dark chocolate. Or even better yet at only $18 a bottle, share with some friends around a fire, on a cool, fall night.

Cheers!

Beth


                                                      WINE WORD OF THE WEEK

Length: When we call wines long or short, we're not referring to the size of the bottle or how quickly we empty it. Length is a word used to describe a wine that gives an impression of going all the way on the palate--you can taste it across the full length of your tongue--instead of stopping short halfway through your tasting of it.  Many wines today are very upfront on the palate--they make a big impression as soon as you taste them--but they don't go the distance in your mouth; they're short.  Generally, high alcohol or excess tannin is to blame.  Length is a sure sign of high quality!