La Font de l'Olivier - Carignan, Vielles Vignes 2021

Tasting Notes:  The La Font de l'Olivier Carignan is a quintessential example of the grape variety.  In the nose exotic sandalwood, white pepper, and garrigue spices mingle with briary fruit aromas.  The spice follows through to the mouth, complimented by black raspberry, plum, and coco notes.  Ultimately, silky ripe tannins fill out the very long finish. Though this is a concentrated wine, it does not lack in elegance. 

About Carignan

For years the French government encouraged growers to dig up and replant their Carignan with other grape varieties.  Sadly, this means it is very difficult to find good, old-vine Carignan.  Most of it has already been ripped out to liberate the land for more popular grape varieties. When allowed to overproduce, Carignan will yield high quantities of uninteresting wine.  However, when kept in check, old vine Carignan can produce wines of deep concentration and complexity.