Carnelian

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The future looks gloomy for Carnelian, which was developed at the University of California to grow in that state’s hot Central Valley. It was thought that this grape – a cross of Cabernet Sauvignon and Carignan, crossed again with Grenache – could produce high yields, while retaining some of the class and flavor interest of Cabernet Sauvignon.

So far this effort has yielded vines with a strong tendency to overcrop, producing wines with good color but lacking any character more interesting than most other grapes grown in the extreme heat.

Several thousand acres of Carnelian were planted following this grape’s release in 1972. Very little new planting has been done since, and acreage has slowly dropped to today’s level of about 1,100 acres. Unless some new form of vineyard management comes to the rescue, Carnelian is likely to remain a mediocre contributor to California’s jug wine production.

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Carnelian on Snooth

October 2010

Gallo Family Vineyards Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast Sonoma Reserve 2006

Snoothrank:

A lovely surprise & regret: smooth (not simple, good nose, maturing ) but for ... ... dark ruby thinning to carnelian in reflection. Opened a year early, perhaps. Found this odd bottle for $8 at my local Von Read More

Wine review by mdemploi
Dec 29, 2008

My favorite grape to make my home made wine. Great flavor, dry and full of aroma. Excellent choice!

Comment by 113365vlandino 113365
December 2008

Alvaro Palacios Grenache Blend Priorat les Terrasses NV

Snoothrank:

No written review

Wine review by 113365vlandino 113365