Carignan (much like Graciano) is a very old hot climate grape known by many names in many parts of the world.  But most likely it originated in Aragon, Spain.  Although it’s travels probably began with ethe Phoenicians in the 9th Century BC, long before the Royal Family of Aragon who brought it with them as they controlled much of the Mediterranean during their reign.  It’s a workhorse, budding and ripening late on woody upright stalks, and producing medium body, medium tannin, high acidity, with aromas of nutmeg and cinnamon and flavors of cranberries, raspberries and licorice.