Grenache vs Carignan
Grenache
A pale, high-alcohol black grape with ripe red fruit and relatively soft tannin, central to Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Priorat.
- Strawberry
- Soft tannin
- High alcohol
Recognize it
High alcohol with ripe red fruit and relatively soft tannin for the weight. Strawberry and red plum are common. Color is often paler than the body suggests.
Carignan
A deeply colored, high-acid, firm-tannin red grape common in southern France and northeastern Spain.
- Bramble fruit
- High acidity
- Firm tannin
Recognize it
Deep color, firm tannin and high acidity are the main structural clues. Bramble fruit and dried herbs are common, even in wines from warm regions.
How they compare
- SimilarRipe red fruit and medium to full body.
- DifferenceGrenache is usually paler, lower in tannin and lower in acidity.