Mazuelo

Mazuelo is a red wine grape variety grown primarily in Spain, where it is commonly used in blends with Tempranillo and Garnacha in Rioja and Navarra. Internationally, the variety is often equated with Carignan (Carignan noir) and is known in some regions as Cariñena. Synonyms include Samsó in Catalonia and Mazuela in some references, though usage varies by region.

Characteristics and role in wines: Mazuelo contributes color, acidity and tannin, providing structure that helps wines age gracefully. The grape is late-ripening and can produce wines with dark fruit aromas, along with spice and mineral notes. In blends, it offers backbone and helps maintain freshness in warm climates. In some areas it is vinified as a varietal wine, typically robust and capable of aging well.

Winemaking and styles: In Rioja and Navarra, Mazuelo is usually a small component of the blend, often around 5–15% of the cuvée, though percentages vary by producer. When aged in oak, it can develop additional flavors of vanilla, clove and leather, contributing complexity to the final wine.

Regions and presence: The grape is most associated with Spain, where it has traditional importance in regional wines. It is found in small plantings in Catalonia and Aragón and, under its various synonyms, may appear in other Iberian regions.

See also: Grape varieties of Spain; Rioja; Carignan.