Carignan

Carignan is a red wine grape variety (Vitis vinifera) widely grown in the Mediterranean regions of France and beyond. In France it is especially associated with the Languedoc and Roussillon where it is often used in blends with other varieties such as Grenache and Mourvèdre to add color, body, and acidity. The grape is typically late-ripening and drought-tolerant, capable of producing deeply colored wines with high tannin and acidity. In many wine regions it is blended to improve structure and aging potential, though it is also vinified as a varietal in some producers’ hands.

Outside France, Carignan is planted in Spain, Italy, and the New World, where it is known under a variety of regional names. It is prized for its robustness in warm climates and its ability to retain acidity in hot vintages. The grape can produce wines with flavors and aromas of dark fruit, plum, pepper, and earthy notes, depending on climate and winemaking style. The term Carignan also refers to a commune in the Ardennes department in northeastern France, used as a place name for a small town with historical features.

Carignan has numerous synonyms across regions, which can complicate identification in old vineyard registers and wine labels. It remains a traditional component in many southern French blends and continues to be grown in other warm wine regions.