Carignan

Cariñena

Carignan – spice, structure and Mediterranean charm

Carignan, also known as Cariñena (Spain) or Mazuelo (in Rioja), is a traditional red wine variety that plays a particularly important role in the Mediterranean region – from southern France (Languedoc-Roussillon) via Catalonia and Aragón to Sardinia, where it is known as Carignano del Sulcis.

Strong tannins, high acidity and intense spice are typical of Carignan. Young wines display aromas of sour cherries, raspberries, herbs and pepper, while mature varieties develop complex notes of leather, earth and dried fruit. Carignan is often used in cuvées, but is becoming increasingly important as a single-varietal wine.

🔹 French Carignan (Languedoc-Roussillon): Spicy, rustic, herbal, lots of structure.
🔹 Spanish Cariñena / Mazuelo: Fruity, spicy, lively with Mediterranean herbal notes.
🔹 Carignano del Sulcis (Sardinia): Elegant, velvety style with ripe fruit aromas and Mediterranean warmth.

➡ Which dishes go perfectly with Carignan? Find the best combinations here!

🥂 Carignan & dishes – The best food pairings

1️⃣ Classic spicy Carignan (e.g. Languedoc, Priorat, Cariñena)

Taste: Medium to full-bodied, lively acidity, dry spiciness.
Typical aromas: sour cherry, red currant, garrigue herbs, pepper, licorice.

✅ Best food pairings:
✔ Rustic meat dishes & stews → Cassoulet, lamb ragout, braised beef
✔ Grilled sausages & Mediterranean cuisine → Merguez, ratatouille, peppers
✔ Spicy hard cheeses & tapas → Manchego, chorizo, olives, albondigas

➡ Recommended recipes:
– Lamb stew with rosemary and olives
– Cassoulet with white beans and sausage

2️⃣ Fruity, modern Carignan (e.g. from Spain or Chile)

Taste: Softer, round, more fruit than spice, softer tannins.
Typical aromas: blackberries, plums, violets, cloves, vanilla.

✅ Best food pairings:
✔ Grilled dishes & pulled pork → spare ribs, BBQ chicken, pulled pork burger
✔ Vegetarian dishes with roasted flavors → grilled eggplant, chickpeas with peppers, lentil dishes
✔ Soft cheese & tapas → fresh goat cheese, roasted mushrooms, pimientos de padrón

➡ Recommended recipes:
– Pulled pork burger with BBQ sauce
– Chickpea pan with roasted vegetables

3️⃣ Matured Carignan & Carignano del Sulcis (Sardinia)

Taste: Complex, silky tannins, deep, Mediterranean warmth.
Typical aromas: dried fruit, truffle, tar, leather, eucalyptus.

✅ Best food pairings:
✔ Braised & game → Venison ragout, braised veal shank, wild boar ragout
✔ Italian specialties → Salsiccia with lentils, pasta with fennel ragout
✔ Matured cheese & hearty antipasti → Pecorino sardo, olive paste, artichokes

➡ Recommended recipes:
– Wild boar ragout with rosemary potatoes
– Pasta with salsiccia and fennel

🔍 Carignan & food pairing at a glance

Carignan style	Best food pairings
Classic spicy Carignan	Lamb stew, stews, tapas, ratatouille
Fruity Carignan	Grilled dishes, pulled pork, vegetable dishes, soft cheese
Matured Carignan	Game dishes, pasta with salsiccia, mature cheeses, antipasti

📌 Tip: If you love Mediterranean cuisine with lots of spice, a Carignan from the south of France or Sardinia is just the thing!

🚀 Conclusion: Why Carignan is an insider tip for spicy dishes

Carignan is a powerful, Mediterranean grape variety with character. Whether as a spicy Frenchman, fruity Spaniard or matured Sarde – Carignan is ideal with spicy dishes, rustic cuisine, tapas and game. A real discovery for connoisseurs of strong wines!