Carignano is a red grape variety with deep roots in Sardinia, particularly in the Sulcis region and on the island of Sant’Antioco. Its origins are traced back to the western Mediterranean and it is often associated with the Iberian Peninsula, where it is known as Cariñena or Mazuelo; its arrival in Sardinia, however, is attributed, according to various historical accounts, to the Phoenicians or to the Aragonese rule. The leaf is medium to large in size, pentagonal and generally five-lobed, with a flat margin; the bunch, of medium size, is compact, pyramidal and has one or two wings. The berry is medium-sized, obovoid, with a thick skin, very pruinose and of an intense blue-black colour. As well as in Sardinia, the grape variety is widespread in various areas of the Mediterranean, particularly in southern France and Spain. In the Sulcis region, it finds particularly favourable conditions thanks to the sandy soils, the warm and breezy climate and the proximity to the sea; in some vineyards, it is still trained using the alberello method and grown on ungrafted rootstock. The wine has an intense ruby-red colour, sometimes with violet or garnet hues, and aromas of plum, morello cherry, blackberry, sweet spices, liquorice and Mediterranean scrub. On the palate, it is warm, savoury, structured and persistent, underpinned by a robust yet harmonious tannic structure. The finest examples, particularly those from old vines and with extended ageing, demonstrate remarkable potential for development and longevity.
