Cariñena/Carignan

Cariñena (also known as Mazuelo, Bovale Grande, Carignan and Carignane) is a Spanish red grape variety that is widely planted throughout the western Mediterranean and across the globe. Cariñena is a late budding and ripening grape, which requires a warm climate in order to achieve full physiological ripeness. In winemaking, the grape is often used as a deep coloring component in blends, rather than being made in a mono-varietal form. Cariñena can be a difficult variety for winemakers to work with being naturally high in acidity, tannins and astringency; this varietal demands a lot of skill to produce a wine of finesse and elegance.

Jordi Puxeu Vaque, a young winemaker epitomizes the future of one of the most difficult (but rewarding) areas of Spain to grow vines. Priorat is renowned for the slate “terroir”, which gives this wine its identifiable mineral quality.
Type of Wine: Red Wine
Appellation of Origin: DOQ Priorat
Winery: Celler Unio, Reus
Varietal: 50% Garnacha, 50% Carignan.
Vines are between 30-60 years old.
Terrain: The “terroir” of Priorat has already earned this region a faithfull following; the distinct mineral aspect of these wines is much sought after. The rainfall is between 20 and 25 inches per year, but because of the proximity to the mediterranean, a lot of additional moisture comes to the plants from the sea. Altitude also contributes, with big diurnal shifts in temperature.
Harvest: Hand picked and selected twice: initially in the vineyard, with a second selection on receipt at the winery.
Ageing: 9 months of in French oak, followed by 24 months of bottle aging.
Bottling: Bottled on the property.
Serving Temperature: Between 61º and 65º F
Alcohol Content: 14.5%
About the producer
Jordi Puxeu Vaque, a young winemaker epitomizes the future of one of the most difficult (but rewarding) areas of Spain to grow vines. Priorat is renowned for the slate “terroir”, which gives this wine its identifiable mineral quality.
Tasting notes
Color: Deep burgundy, dark and brooding.
Nose: Complex, with hints of the minerality to come.
Palate: A very deep and complex wine, perfect for all grilled meats and roasts, or just for sipping by the fire among friends and family.

 

Format: 750ml (case of 12 bottles)
SRP: $18.99
Eugènia Guasch López is a young winemaker from one of the most dramatic wine growing regions in northwest Spain. Eugènia takes advantage of the region’s natural beauty, hiking through the mountains whenever she can.
Type of Wine: Red Wine
Appellation of Origin: DO Monsant
Winery: Celler Unio, Reus
Varietal: 40% Garnacha, 40% Carignan, 20% Syrah.
Vines are between 30-60 years old.
Terrain: Surrounded by mountains, the area features soils rich in slate and granite. The rainfall is between 20 and 25 inches per year, but because of the proximity to the mediterranean, a lot of additional moisture comes to the plants from the sea. Altitude also contributes, with big diurnal changes in temperature.
Harvest: Hand picked and selected twice: initially in the vineyard, with a second selection on receipt at the winery.
Ageing: 6 months of in French and American oak.
Bottling: Bottled on the property.
Serving Temperature: Between 61º and 65º F
Alcohol Content: 13.5%
About the producer
Eugènia Guasch López is a young winemaker from one of the most dramatic wine growing regions in northwest Spain. Eugènia takes advantage of the region’s natural beauty, hiking through the mountains whenever she can
Tasting notes
Color: Garnet, lively and bright.
Nose: Subtle, but pleasing. The nose does not over promise.
Palate: A bright, lively and fruity wine that will pair perfectly with grilled chicken or pork, but go equally well with pasta and pizza. This wine has a lovely long finish, beautifully made and understated.

 

Format: 750ml (case of 12 bottles)
SRP: $9.99
Javier Ruiz Cristobal and his son, share the traditional values of staying close to the land; their family has been growing the Garnacha and Cariñena varietals for as long as anybody can remember.
Type of Wine: Red Wine
Appellation of Origin: DO Cariñena
Winery: Grandes Vinos, Cariñena, Aragon
Varietal: 50% Garnacha, 50% Cariñena; vines are over 80
years old.
Terrain: Cariñena is situated on the high plains of the ancient Kingdom of Aragon in northern Spain. The soil is poor, with little organic matter, made up of reddish dun earth and lots of stones. The climate is continental, with hot summers and very cold winters; low rainfall is the norm.
Harvest: Hand picked and selected twice: initially in the vineyard, with a second selection on receipt at the winery.
Ageing: 5 months of French oak ageing, followed by 8 months in the botlle.
Bottling: Bottled on the property.
Serving Temperature: Between 61º and 65º F
Alcohol Content: 13.5%
About the producer
Javier Ruiz Cristobal and his son, share the traditional values of staying close to the land; their family has been growing the Garnacha and Cariñena varietals for as long as anybody can remember.
Tasting notes
Color: Deep garnet, with burgundy notes.
Nose: Explosive fruit nose.
Palate: This is adeeper and more rewarding wine than you expect. It is full bodied and has a long, satisfying finish. You can pair this wine with pasta, pizza, poultry or cheese. Enjoy it with a light risotto, or any tomato-based dish..

 

Format: 750ml (case of 12 bottles)
SRP: $14.99