DWWA 2026: all 12 award-winning Carignan wines selected by Decanter

Carignan at DWWA 2026

Once among France’s most widely planted grapes, Carignan lost ground to international varieties such as Merlot toward the end of the 20th century and is now experiencing renewed interest. The variety is also called Cariñena, Mazuelo and Samsó in Spain, Carignano in Italy and Carignane in the US. Its thick-skinned berries grow on productive vines that can preserve acidity in the heat of the Mediterranean.¹

Carignan wines are generally deeply coloured, with red-fruit aromas such as raspberry and spicy accents that can include cinnamon and pepper. They are often medium-bodied and marked by firm tannins. Old vines can give greater concentration and elegance, whether the grape is bottled alone or blended, commonly with Garnacha or Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre.¹

Southern France, particularly Languedoc-Roussillon, parts of Spain and the Italian island of Sardinia are established sources of Carignan. The grape is also grown to a lesser extent in Argentina, Chile, Israel and South Africa. At DWWA 2026, Carignan wines collected 2 Gold, 28 Silver and 12 Bronze medals. International Carignan Day takes place on the last Thursday of October, and Decanter marked it by selecting the following 12 varietal wines.¹

Chile

The Co-Operative, Irresistible Carignan, Maule 2024 — Silver, 93 points, 13.5% alcohol. Mint, violets, cherry and plum appear on the nose alongside earthy and savoury details. The wine is juicy, lively and immediately appealing.¹

Undurraga, t.h Carignan, Maule 2024 — Silver, 92 points, 14.5% alcohol. Dried Mediterranean herbs, blackberry and plum are joined by a hint of vanilla. Concentrated fruit is balanced by notable freshness and mouthwatering acidity.¹

France

Gérard Bertrand, La Forge, Corbières-Boutenac, Languedoc-Roussillon 2023 — Gold, 95 points, 15.5% alcohol. Plush and densely weighted without feeling heavy, it combines full blackberry fruit with touches of salt and an uplifting freshness.¹

Celliers d'Orfée, B, Corbières-Boutenac, Languedoc-Roussillon 2023 — Silver, 93 points, 14.5% alcohol. The meaty nose brings together dried herbs, olive leaf, graphite and tobacco. Its savoury, earthy and concentrated palate gives the wine a distinctive character.¹

Claude Vialade, 100 Ans Carignan, IGP Aude, Languedoc-Roussillon 2025 — Silver, 92 points, 13.5% alcohol. A dark, brooding aromatic profile features ripe black fruit and a trace of marmalade, followed by a notably juicy palate.¹

Italy

Siddùra, Èstru Carignano, Isola dei Nuraghi, Sardinia 2023 — Gold, 95 points, 14.5% alcohol. Turned earth and sun-warmed clay accompany blackberry and cherry. The palate is full and glycerol-rich, with dusty tannins and a lingering eucalyptus note, presenting a representative expression of the variety.¹

Spain

Davowin, Costerduo, Priorat 2021 — Silver, 94 points, 14% alcohol. Black pepper, dark plum, grenadine and blood orange shape an inviting nose, while the palate is fleshy and juicy.¹

Ferrer Bobet, Selecció Especial Vinyes Velles, Priorat 2021 — Silver, 94 points, 14% alcohol. Herbal and floral aromas are complemented by blackberry and boysenberry. The palate combines juiciness with freshness.¹

Vinicola Del Priorat, Onix Classic, Priorat 2024 — Silver, 94 points, 13.5% alcohol. Restrained fresh-blackberry and ripe-cherry aromas carry nuances of Mediterranean woodland. Smooth, ripe tannins are accompanied by a slate-like quality.¹

Vinícola Del Priorat, Ònix Evolució, Priorat 2022 — Silver, 94 points, 15% alcohol. Highly perfumed blackberry, spiced plum, strawberry and ripe-cherry aromas meet leafy nuances. The palate is fleshy and chalky, with pronounced freshness.¹

Davowin, Costerduo Velles Vinyes, Priorat 2021 — Silver, 93 points, 15% alcohol. Incense, chocolate, leather and dark plum define the nose. The powerful palate remains harmonious and elegant.¹

Davowin, Costerduo VV, Priorat 2021 — Silver, 93 points, 15% alcohol. Savoury notes and sweet oak mingle with ripe strawberry, raspberry and dark-plum aromas. The palate is warm and has a chewy texture.¹