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Carignane – Spanish Roots, Easy Choice
About Carignane
Originating in Bordeaux, Petit Verdot is an old grape, dating back before even its more famous neighbor, Cabernet Sauvignon. It is an interesting red wine grape with a long history that’s marked with triumph. The Carignane grape, with roots from Aragon, Spain, is widely-popular throughout France and other wine-producing regions, but in the US it’s a much less familiar varietal. From Spain, Carignane spread in popularity to Algeria, where it was also exported to France. When Algeria declared independence in 1962, they cut off all shipping to France. Left with an appreciation for Carignane but no supply, France began to grow the grape on their own. They grew so much that the European Union actually put restrictions on its growth in the year 2000. As with many other wine grapes, the Carignane grape found new roots in other countries as well, such as California, Chile and Australia. Carignane has been used in blends with such varietals as Grenache and Syrah to add body, color and fruitiness. Though given the right climate Carignane can produce a very elegant, complex wine all on its own. This red pairs best with grilled meats, sausage and chicken.
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