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International Cariñena Day, the most widely planted variety in the world

31/10/2020 Breaking news

We love the idea of having one day to celebrate every grape variety. It gives us the perfect reason to write about a variety and spread the word about it. This time, it is the turn of the most widely planted variety in the world. International Cariñena Day is 31st October and we will be celebrating with the wide range of Cariñena wines we have at Decántalo.

carinena

A very versatile variety

This is a grape with many names, like Mazuela, Samsó, Carignan, Carinena and is one of the most popular in the world. And it is without doubt a very versatile strain that grows well in any type of soil and, in terms of winemaking, it produces musts with a high sugar content, powerful colour, astringent tannins and good acidity. With all these qualities, it is not surprising that it is the most cultivated variety in the world. The vast majority of these grapes are planted in France, Spain and Italy but they also grow outside of Europe; in the Middle East, North and South Africa, South America, Central America and California, and in recent years they have also been tried in China and Australia. In other words, a very international variety that is not bound by borders. As well as being super versatile in its cultivation, it also goes very well with other varieties. Although it produces some great wines on its own, this variety is also the perfect way to add a touch of intensity to coupages.

A whole world of pairings

Likewise, when it comes to pairing, Cariñena is a very good choice. Thanks to its medium-bodied style, it goes well with both softer and stronger dishes. Because it is a very spicy variety, it can handle smoked, cured and spicy dishes. In terms of meat dishes, there are a whole range of options; duck, turkey, quail, chicken, pork or cured meats all go very well. It also loves to sit alongside cheese. A glass of Cariñena can really enhance a manchego, parmesan or gouda. There are plenty of options for pairing with a vegetarian menu too: courgette, aubergine, pumpkin, tomato, red pepper, garlic, onion, leek, and many more. So a ratatouille, a samfaina, or a roast are great dishes for this wine. 

Now that we have whet your appetite, how about we look at a few recommended wines made in different parts of the world to celebrate International Cariñena Day.

5 Cariñenas from around the world 

Clos du Rouge Gorge Vieilles Vignes 2017

Having completely mastered the variety, Cyril Fhal, a biodynamic winegrower in the French region of Languedoc-Roussillon, produces this single-variety red with minimal intervention and maximum care. Elegant, complex and impressively delicate.

Ferrer Bobet Vinyes Velles 2016

This red wine is a very good example of how the Cariñena variety grows in the prestigious “licorella” soils of the DOQ Priorat (Catalonia). A wine from old vines and full of mineral character.

Château Musar 2013

In the Bekaa Valley, in Lebanon, the Musar family produces this coupage with a very Bordeaux style. A fertile terroir and a Mediterranean climate that results in an explosion of ripe, intense and seductive fruit. 

Donovan Rall Red 2017

Specialising in white wines, Donovan Rall is a South African producer who has a close relationship with the Swartland New Producer movement. With this wine, he has achieved his goal of producing a smooth red with a unique personality.

Serragghia Fanino Catarratto e Pignatello rosso 2018

This unique wine is a result of the Sicilian volcanic soils. A natural blend of the island’s native varieties that, combined with the current producer, results in a fresh, fine and very mineral red.

If you want to explore more wines, visit Decántalo, and if you want to find out more about the Cariñena variety, read our blog article called “Intensely Cariñena, a variety that crosses borders”.

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