Beverage
Mazuelo
Mazuelo is Rioja’s name for Carignan (Cariñena)—a high-acid, high-tannin red that adds structure, spice, and longevity to Tempranillo blends and can stand alone when old vines and careful extraction keep rusticity in check. Flavours run red and black fruit, liquorice, and earthy spice; young Mazuelo can be severe, while aged or old-vine examples gain polish. It is the same variety as French Carignan and Catalan Samsó/Cariñena under a Rioja synonym. Use Mazuelo-heavy reds for long beef and game braises where acid and tannin cut fat; soften young bottles with time in the pot and aromatic vegetables. For lighter pans, prefer blends where Mazuelo is a minority partner so the sauce does not turn astringent.
Also known as: Mazuelo, Cariñena / Samsó, Carignan
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Characteristics
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Traits
Grading systems
Grades are placed along a shared scale so systems can be compared side by side.
History
Mazuelo/Carignan lineages were established in Iberian Mediterranean vineyards as a sturdy red grape.
Rioja bodegas adopted Mazuelo as a structural blending component with Tempranillo and Graciano.
Old-vine and single-variety projects rehabilitated Mazuelo’s image beyond bulk Carignan reputation.