Grape varieties
The Cariñena PDO works with a set of authorised varieties that have adapted to the middle Ebro Valley and the diversity of its soils. Some of them are part of the wine-growing history of the region. Others have been added over time and broaden the range of styles.
Each variety brings a different nuance within a common identity.
Red varieties
|White varieties
Garnacha tinta
Key variety of the region
One of the most widespread and recognisable varieties of the Cariñena PDO. It adapts to the stony soils and thermal rhythms of the middle Ebro Valley, bringing expressive fruit and freshness to the wines.
Cariñena
Historical and namesake variety
A historic variety that shares its name with the designation. It is part of the traditional identity of the region and contributes structure and depth when used in blends.
Juan Ibáñez
Historical variety of the region
A historic and native variety of the area. It is characterised by its lighter and fresher profile, with good acidity and fruity expression. Its recovery helps preserve the region’s diversity and broaden the range of styles within the Cariñena PDO.
Vidadillo
Recovered historical variety
A traditional Aragonese variety present in the historic vineyards of the area. It adds colour, acidity and structure when added to wines. Its recovery is part of the commitment to varietal diversity and the wine-making heritage of the Cariñena PDO.
Tempranillo
Present in the vineyards of the PDO, it contributes balance and roundness to the red wines, adapting to different orientations and altitudes.
Syrah
A variety well adapted to the climate of the area. It adds aromatic intensity and structure when incorporated into blends.
Cabernet Sauvignon
It introduces structure and a defined aromatic profile in certain elaborations, broadening the stylistic diversity within the PDO.
Merlot
It brings smoothness and balance to the whole, integrating itself in blends with other red varieties.
Monastrel
It contributes black berries and a slightly warmer profile, reinforcing the personality in blends of certain reds.
Garnacha blanca
Variety linked to the region
The white expression of a variety deeply linked to the region. It allows the production of fresh, balanced wines with good aromatic definition.
Cariñena blanca
Recovered historical variety
The white expression of Cariñena Tinta that offers fresh wines, with good acidity, medium body and a fine aromatic expression.
Macabeo
A traditional variety in the production of white wines in the PDO. It brings acidity and balance, especially in lighter profiles.
Chardonnay
It brings structure and ageing potential to whites made using different techniques.
Parellada
A white variety that provides freshness and a delicate aromatic profile in certain preparations.
Moscatel de Alejandría
With a recognisable aromatic profile, it is used in elaborations that seek a more marked expression.
Sauvignon Blanc
A variety incorporated into the vineyards of the DO that provides tension, vivacity and an expressive aromatic profile in white wines.
Verdejo
Present in the designation as an alternative in whites with a more structured character, it brings freshness and a defined aromatic expression.
