Affordable, Medium-bodied Red

Rustic, Fruit-forward, Spiceyyy

Wine: Carignan (“care-in-yen”)

Why: This high-acid, medium to full-bodied grape complements both the acidity of the tomatoes and the earthiness of the spices in the shakshuka. The fruit can stand up to the bold flavors of the stew and the wine has the structure to hold up to the spice and boldness of the dish. It’s zesty, rustic, and vibrant - just like you!

What: Traditionally grown in Southern France, Northern Spain, and Sardinia, Italy, Carignan is an affordable, versatile crowd pleaser. Moderate tannin, body, and alcohol mean it would be a fair compromise for most red wine drinkers. Once a widely planted grape in the Languedoc, Carignan fell out of favor in the late 20th century, driven largely by low-quality production in large scale. Today, the grape is making a resurgence and is earning the proper care of production and retail attention it deserves.

Buying: Look for old-vine Carignan (labeled as “Vieilles Vignes” in France) for more complexity. When buying from a Spanish producer, look for Cariñena or Mazuelo. When buying an Italian bottle, look for one labeled Carignano del Sulcis

Region: Languedoc-Roussillon, France

Decanting: 60+ Minutes

Alternates: CdR, Zinfandel, Gamay, or Merlot