Carignan is a black grape variety native to Aragon, a region in northeastern Spain, where it is known as Cariñena. From there it spread to France, where it is present in the Midi and in Langedoc–Rossillon. The most famous wines in which Carignan plays a role are those of Rioja, where it is called Mazuelo, but even here it is gradually being abandoned. Carignan brings color, tannins and acidity to wines, but hardly aromas and elegance. Its wines are poor in aromas and flavor and the strong acidity makes it difficult to appreciate when young. Furthermore, it does not evolve with maturation and therefore remains anonymous even as it ages. As if that were not enough, Carignan is also difficult to grow, very sensitive to powdery mildew, downy mildew, rot and often subject to attacks by parasites. Mechanized harvesting is difficult due to the tightness with which the bunches are attached to the shoots and also for this reason it is preferred to grow it as a sapling rather than on a trellis. It has late germination and ripening, which makes it suitable for cultivation in the southern areas, while in the north it struggles to develop.