~$18US Grenache and Carignan blend, Roussillon, France

Pop and pour. Ridiculously aromatic. Fresh thyme, rosemary, fresh berries, vetivert, cedar, tar. I’ve never been to Roussillon, but I hope this is what a jog through the hills smells like. Very round and coating on the palate, but a fresh streak of acidity and minerality brings vigor. A balance of sweet and savory, rustic but not clumsy, exotic flavors and aromas (sandalwood? lavender? glove leather?) intertwined with red fruits. Perfectly integrated - the kind of wine that is difficult to pick apart because it is just working. This would be wondrous with roasted pork with fruit or rabbit stew. Utterly compelling juice and a super value to boot. And to think that this is their ‘entry-level’ wine…

$12US 100% Carignan, Languedoc-roussillon, France

I tried this to gain an understanding of the Carignan grape, which appears as part of many Rhone-style blends. Good color, unremarkable and mostly opaque. Interesting nose - this wine brings a bready aroma with cooked raspberries. It smelled sweet - like a raspberry danish or an Entenmann’s berry twist. The palate was another story. It tasted flat, 1-dimensional and quickly lost character from here. There was some exotic sandalwood or betelnut notes, but it was overall tannic and simple. No finish to speak of. I think I now know why single-varietal Carignans are not too common. The grape plays a much better supporting role, especially from an aroma standpoint.

Interesting and aromatic nose, simple elsewhere… A curiousity.