Carignan requires heat to ripen being suited to the warm climate regions of Australia and a natural for the Barossa Valley. Glug is inquisitive so we make or buy wines from every variety being grown in the Barossa Valley to fine out what they may offer our customers. Carignan is a popular variety in Spain, France and Italy though only a few hectares exist in the Barossa Valley and I doubt it existence was even acknowledged a decade ago.
I recall there were a few hectares growing at the famed Penfolds Kalimna vineyard in the Barossa Valley as I inspected them perhaps 40 years ago. I asked them to make a wine for a guaranteed sale, yet I knew the answer as big companies settle on a few big volume wines and the rest is all too hard. These old vines were later removed. If you enjoy Barossa Valley Grenache which we champion this Carignan is for you. Note it is not brassy and bold like Durif and would make a wonderful blend with Grenache. From a fabulous vintage.
