There is evidence that this variety has been grown in Rioja for several centuries.

It is more productive than the other red varieties and has a high tannin content, which gives it an important acidity and makes it ideal for ageing, as well as for complementing and enriching. Its versatility in crossbreeding makes it a key variety to reinforce other wines by coupage, for example, as a complement to Tempranillo for wines with long ageing.

Características

Aspecto

Large berries, with a veraisoned epidermis, irregular colour evolution and blue-black colour with a lot of bloom.

Aroma

Astringent and with bitter and herbaceous aromas.

Matices/Reflejos

When the production is high and the grapes are not yet sufficiently ripe, the tannins are astringent; it is best suited to young wines with carbonic maceration. However, in less fertile areas, with good soils, old vines and limited production, quality wines are obtained.

Extensión

Reds 1.93%
Total 1.76%

Resistencia

Particularly sensitive to powdery mildew and adaptable to any type of soil, although it performs better in alluvial soils.

Maduración

Needs higher thermal integral to ripen. Late budding and mid-season ripening, tending to late.

Sinonimias

Carignan, Cariñena, Mazuela, Samsó.