Cariñena

A grape varietal, used in the production of red wines, originating in the Cariñena District of Spain. Now the most widely grown red grape in France’s Languedoc-roussillon region. The grape is also grown in Italy, Spain, Algeria, Isreal, and the United States (CA). Producers blend Cariñena with Grenache, Cinsault (Cinsaut), Mourvèdre, and Syrah. The Cariñena varietal is considered a workhouse grape, not a noble varietal, and is widely used as a blending agent for jug wines.

Also known as: Black Portugal, Carignane, Carignano, Carignan, Mazuelo, Monestal, and Roussilonen.

Characteristics: Produces, at times, a peppery, fruity, spicey red wine, high in tannins and alcohol. It is known for it's deep purple color.

Food pairings: Grilled red meats, beef, poultry, bacon, Italian pancetta, calzone, cannelloni with ricotta, cannelloni with meat, BBQ chicken wings, egg quiche, hummus, meat Tandoori, chicken Tandoori, lasagna, Mexican cuisine with beef, Mexican cuisine with chicken, chicken pâté, goose pâté, duck pâté, veal pâté, pork pâté, pizza, potato salad, Waldorf salad, meat Tajines, chicken Tajines, monkfish, and salmon.