CARIGNAN - OUR WAYWARD SON

Carignan. If there’s one grape you never know you loved, it’s Carignan. It’s a grape grown extensively in the western mediterranean and made its way to nearly every single wine region with a mediterranean climate. Historically relegated to the status of a work-horse varietal, it’s no surprise that many wine lovers have never heard of it; forget second fiddle, as part of a blend, Carignan is in the back row with the double basses. But just like the double bass, the output is low, even muted; but fills out the sound with power.

As a vine, Carignan has a few characteristics that would have been considered undesirable, historically speaking. It ripens late and is susceptible to mildew, so it can be successfully grown only in relatively warm climates. Its tough stalks make it unsuitable for harvesting by machine and that quality translates into high tannin that requires a gentle touch. What it does bring to the table is reliably good yield, terrific acid, bright red fruit while maintaining good texture and body. It’s dependably good and the older the vines get, the more intense and characterful the grapes are. With mediterranean climates being the most vulnerable to the shifts in global temperature, it’s no wonder at all that our unsuspecting underdog went from under the radar to a celebrated character on the natural wine scene. 

This Thursday, you’ll be able to taste 4 different expressions of Carignan - 2 blends from southern France and 2 varietal wines from California. It’s a selection curated in collaboration with Chausse Selections in Portland, OR.
Check out the line up below:
Domaine Cotzé 'Transhumància' Rouge 2020
Domaine Mada 'Furie' 2021
emme 'daniel' 2021
Subject to Change 'Wild Child' 2021

Each Thursday evening, from 6:30-7:30 PM, we open 3-4 bottles we find inspiring and thought-provoking. A $5 tasting fee, refundable with the purchase of any bottles from the tasting, gets a guided flight with our Sommelier, Ali Innes.