It's funny, I would use that description for Mourvedre - everything "medium", everything "mid". But in a good, balanced way. At least when grown in warm enough climates like Spain, California, or Texas.
I've made Ruby Cabernet from the Central Valley. There were some Somms that wanted it for a special program, so I obliged. It was my first and last time. It offers up great color and some of that Cabernet backbone, the downside it took a long time to ripen and didn't shake the pyrazine flavors. I remember the must smelling like cucumbers.
Carignan, that's a different story. I like working with it up in Alexander Valley, got my hands on Mazzoni Vineyard these last couple seasons. Makes a nice wine as a stand-alone or blended with Zinfandel.
"What makes Carignan so fascinating in the glass is the consistent mediocrity it delivers on all fronts"
Marketing genius!
It's funny, I would use that description for Mourvedre - everything "medium", everything "mid". But in a good, balanced way. At least when grown in warm enough climates like Spain, California, or Texas.
Another excellent, informative and fun-to-read post.
I've made Ruby Cabernet from the Central Valley. There were some Somms that wanted it for a special program, so I obliged. It was my first and last time. It offers up great color and some of that Cabernet backbone, the downside it took a long time to ripen and didn't shake the pyrazine flavors. I remember the must smelling like cucumbers.
Carignan, that's a different story. I like working with it up in Alexander Valley, got my hands on Mazzoni Vineyard these last couple seasons. Makes a nice wine as a stand-alone or blended with Zinfandel.
Speaking of little grapes, when are we going to see an article about lonceé donceé, the littlest grape? Way overdue IMHO.
Is that a real grape? Google is giving me nothing on ot!
Two Shepherds Carignan out of Mendocino is a must!