Alain Grignon, Carignan Vieilles Vignes 2011, France
It’s a bit of an underground movement at the moment, but there’s definitely a revival of interest in Carignan, one of the unsung hero grapes of the Rhone Valley and south of France, and of northern Spain where it’s knows as Carinena. That’s particularly for winemakers who have found parcels of really old vines, and extends to winemakers in Chile and elsewhere too. In this case the vineyards are 50 years old, and that gives natural concentration to the wine. The nose is all about black fruit with plum and fresh cherry, a touch of spice and curranty character too in a fruity but vinous profile. The palate has a creaminess, not just of fruit but of texture too, with more black berries and then some chewy edges of tannin and cedar, good acidity, but the ripeness giving full fruit sweetness that fills the finish. Watch the video for more information and for food-matching suggestions for this wine. 7.49, Majestic, but on offer until 4th October 2012 at 5.99. For all stockists see .
