Skip to main content

Cariñena

Cariñena is a red grape variety native to Spain, particularly the Aragón region, though it's known as Mazuelo in Rioja and internationally as Carignan. It produces tannic, acidic wines with red fruit and spice characteristics, thriving in hot, dry Mediterranean climates where its late ripening nature is an advantage. Traditionally used as a blending component in wines from Rioja, Priorat, and the Languedoc-Roussillon region of France, old-vine Cariñena can produce characterful single-varietal wines with complexity and depth.

Primary Regions
Sardinia
Wines Available
1

Cariñena Wines

L

La Cartuja Priorat

La Cartuja

Priorat is one of Spain's most prestigious wine regions, known for producing powerful, mineral-driven reds from impossibly steep vineyards worked by winemakers with thighs of steel. La Cartuja (named after a Carthusian monastery in the region) offers a glimpse into this special terroir without the usual Priorat price tag – which typically requires a moment of silent reflection before purchasing. Made primarily from Garnacha (Grenache) and Cariñena (Carignan) grown in the region's distinctive llicorella slate soils, this wine captures the essence of Priorat: concentrated fruit, remarkable minerality, and a structure that means business. It's like getting the Priorat experience on a 'best of' highlight reel – maybe not as profound as the region's top cuvées but delivering far more character and complexity than its price suggests. Perfect for when you want a serious wine that punches well above its weight class.