How much do we know about the grape varietal Carignan? It is a red wine grape variety originated in Spain yet commonly found in French wines, majorly South of France. In 1988 it was planted in 4,10,000 acres and became France’s most widely planted grape variety. It is also known as one of the last grapes to be harvested. It is also mutated to produce Carignan blanc and Carignan gris. This grape variety is capable enough as a single varietal wine as well as blended with grapes like Syrah, Grenache and Mourvedre. It is often used in a blend to lend deep colour, acidity and spice so if you are enjoying a wine from South of France and getting the hint of red berry flavours, woody and savoury spices, there is a big chance that it is a blend of Carignan. Because of its medium bodied style and flavour profile without bitter tannin it became a perfect food wine too. Many may look at this grape for value wine but no more only value but supreme quality too. Hammeken Cellars, the Spanish wine house definitely proved the quality of Carignan grapes with its wine TOSALET. Taking it to the next level recently The Drinks Business announced the TOSALET 2017 as the Global Wine Masters Gold. This single grape varietal wine, aged for 18 months in 100% new French oak barrels proved its quality for the last couple of years like mentioned below.
2013 – 93 Points in Wine Spectator
2013 – 92 Points in Wine Enthusiast
2013 – 92 Points in Guia Penin
2013 – 1st Place – ECMR Global Grand Tasting.
2014 – 92 Points – Guia Penin
2017 – 92 Points – Guia Penin
A big cheer to the team.