LES JAMELLES-CARIGNAN

This black grape variety, originally from Aragon, was introduced to France in the 12th century. Despite massive uprooting in recent years, it still covers 100,000 hectares in France, concentrating on three southern regions: Languedoc-Roussillon, Provence and, to a lesser extent, Corsica. Carignan is a grape variety that fascinates winegrowers and oenologists as its quality can vary from mediocrity to excellence, depending on its yield, the age of the vine and the vinification. This variety suffered from high yield situations that were not very favorable to its expression. However, by preserving its vines on well-exposed hillsides and on clay-limestone soils, granite arenas or schists, Carignan produces rich and generous wines with aromas of black fruits which require a little aging to refine their tannins. With its beautiful black color with light purple reflections, Carignan Les Jamelles has notes of prune, blackcurrant, wild strawberry and black cherry, as well as spicy notes (grey pepper). It has a supple and aromatic attack, in harmony with the notes revealed on the nose. Its tannins are elegant. Its flesh reflects optimal maturity and controlled yield. Served at 18°C, it goes well with preparations made from lamb, game (boat stew), duck breast with cranberries and savory dishes (pepper steak, tournedos with porcini mushrooms). Catherine Delaunay suggests a pumpkin velouté with chestnuts, a rabbit with blackcurrant mustard, a cassoulet. Or an all-chocolate dessert, a Choco-Hazelnut!