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Winery
Casa Agricola (Pepe Mendoza)
Varietal: Carignan
Carignan is a blue-skinned grape thought to have originally been grown in Spain, but which is now more commonly associated with southern France and various other countries, including Algeria and the island of Sardinia. They used to be blended with other Spanish varietals for the production of Rioja wines, although their inclusion today is rare. An ancient grape varietal, Carignan is often seen as quite a challenge for wineries to grow. Not only does it have an extremely sensitive nature, and is often highly susceptible to rot, but the grapes themselves have a high natural acid and tannin content, which can often be too astringent for modern tastes. However, given the correct care and treatment, Carignan grapes can produce wonderful single variety and blended wines, packed full of interesting characteristics and flavors which are fascinating to explore.
Country: Spain
Ever since the Phoenicians and Romans brought their knowledge of vine cultivation to Spanish soils, the country's culture has grown alongside wine production, with wine being a vital part of Spanish identity and Spanish traditions. Each region of Spain has a wine quite distinct from the others, and it is produced by smallholders and families as much as it is by large companies and established wineries. From the relatively mild and lush regions of La Rioja to the arid plateaus that surround Madrid, grapes are grown in abundance for the now booming Spanish wine industry, and new laws and regulations have recently been put in place to keep the country's standards high. By combining traditional practices with modern technology, Spanish wineries are continuing to produce distinctive wines of great character, flavor and aroma, with the focus shifting in recent decades to quality over quantity.