Mazuelo or Cariñena

Cariñena, carignan or mazuela is a Spanish red grape that has been planted mainly in the Western Mediterranean, although it can also be found elsewhere in the world today.

It is more productive than other red varieties and has a high tannin content, which gives it significant acidity and makes it ideal for aging, as well as for complementing and enriching.

Its versatility in crosses makes it a key variety for reinforcing other wines through blending; for example, as a complement to Tempranillo in wines intended for long aging.

- Appearance: large berries with waxy skin, irregular color development, and a blue-black color with a heavy bloom.

- Aroma: astringent, with bitter and herbaceous aromas.

- Nuances/Reflections: when yields are high and the grapes are not yet sufficiently ripe, the tannins are astringent; it is better suited to young wines made with carbon maceration. However, in low-fertility areas with good soils, old vines, and limited yields, high-quality wines are produced.

Mazuela is the term used for the Cariñena red variety in the region of the two Castillas. This red grape variety, Mazuela, is native to Cariñena, Aragon.

• Viticulture and Climate: It is late-budding and late-ripening. It is highly resistant to drought and extreme heat, making it a great ally against climate change, although it is particularly sensitive to fungi such as powdery mildew.
• Enological Profile: It provides a firm structure, great natural acidity, and a high concentration of sugars and color.
• Tasting Notes: Its young wines show floral (violet) and herbaceous nuances. With oak aging, it develops complex notes of black fruits (cherry, blackberry), licorice, spices, leather, and tobacco.
• Common synonyms: Depending on the region, it is called cariñena or crujillón (Aragon), samsó or carinyena (Catalonia), carignano (Sardinia, Italy), and carignan (France).