Plantings of Carignan - known as Cariñena, Mazuelo or Samsó in Spain, Carignano in Italy - are sadly dwindling around the globe. It can be a fickle grape, needing a warm, long, but more importantly dry growing season and even then careful handling by the winemaker as it tends to produce high tannins and acidity. When the stars align, and you have old vines, the right conditions and a skilled hand in the cellar, Carignan is truly one of the world's best wine grapes.