Known as carignan in France, cariñena (a.k.a. mazuelo and samsó) is best known for being a contributor to the great wines of the Priorat and Montsant DOs in Catalunya (near Barcelona). While its traditional role has been as a blending grape, it is starting to be used on its own to make respectable single-varietal wines. That said, in cariñena’s most important production zones, the Priorat and Montsant DOs, wines are chiefly based on the garnacha grape variety; cariñena adds some acidity, dark coloration, and a boost of tannins, coupled with some bright cherry notes.
Cariñena is chiefly grown in the Rioja, Catalunya and Navarra regions of Spain.
We have pulled this description directly from our AG Wine app for the iPhone and iPod Touch/iTouch. Download AG Wine now!
Cariñena is the largest and oldest DO in ARAGON, which is a region in its own right, and certainly not part of any of the three regions mentioned above
HI Yvonne,
Thank you for your comment! You make a very good point and the post deserves some clarification.
As you mention, the Cariñena DO is located in Aragon — the wines are based on the garnacha grape variety and deliver some of the best value wines in Spain.
However, there is also (confusingly!) a grape of the same name, which we profile above. This grape is grown throughout the world and is also known as cariñena (Spain); carignan (Chile, France); and carignano (Italy). In Spain, the cariñena grape is used to make red wines in Rioja, Navarra, and Catalunya.
Thanks again, Yvonne, for your comment.
The AG Wine Team