Mazuelo
There is evidence that this variety has been grown in Rioja for several centuries.
It is more productive than the other red varieties and has a high tannin content, which gives it an important acidity and makes it ideal for ageing, as well as for complementing and enriching. Its versatility in crossbreeding makes it a key variety to reinforce other wines by coupage, for example, as a complement to Tempranillo for wines with long ageing.
Features
Impression
Large berries, with a veraisoned epidermis, irregular colour evolution and blue-black colour with a lot of bloom.
Aromas
Astringent and with bitter and herbaceous aromas.
Hints/Reflections
When the production is high and the grapes are not yet sufficiently ripe, the tannins are astringent; it is best suited to young wines with carbonic maceration. However, in less fertile areas, with good soils, old vines and limited production, quality wines are obtained.
Extension
Reds
1.93%
Total
1.76%
Resistance
Particularly sensitive to powdery mildew and adaptable to any type of soil, although it performs better in alluvial soils.
Ripening
Needs higher thermal integral to ripen. Late budding and mid-season ripening, tending to late.
Synonymies
Carignan, Cariñena, Mazuela, Samsó.