| The Carignane grape variety is one of the most | | | | around the world. It often provides the 'backbone' |
| widely planted grapes in the world. It's popularity | | | | of these wines and is blended with other grape |
| stems from the high crop yeilds that it produces | | | | varieties that bring additonal flavor characteristics. |
| as well as the characteristics that it can bring to a | | | | Carignane is thought to have originated in northern |
| wine. Wine made from Carignane usually has | | | | Spain and grows well in a 'Mediterranean' climate. |
| red-fruit characteristics, deep violet and purple | | | | As a result, it is widely grown in many of the |
| color, strong tannin structure and high levels of | | | | countries that border the Mediterranean Sea |
| alcohol content. It is sometimes peppery like | | | | including France, Italy, Spain, and Algeria. Carignane |
| Syrah. These characteristics have made it very | | | | is the most widely planted grape in France. It has |
| popular as a blending agent in the vast quantities | | | | also found a home in almost every other wine |
| of local table wines (jug wines) that are consumed | | | | producing country around the world. |