Gaja Liquor Launches '100 Carignan' Exclusively in Korea... Retro Wine Gains Attention in France

"Retro Wine" Captivates the Market
100-Year-Old "100 Carignan" Debuts Exclusively in Korea

One of the most notable keywords currently gaining attention in the French wine market is "Retro Wine." This trend goes beyond simply borrowing nostalgic marketing elements; it refers to efforts to revive old vines and restore traditional winemaking methods. Interest is rising in wines that reinterpret the heritage of the past in a modern context.

Amid this movement, "100 Carignan," a wine made from 100-year-old Old Vine Carignan from Languedoc-Roussillon in southern France, is drawing attention as it is being exclusively launched in Korea through Gaja Liquor.

The term "Old Vine" generally refers to grapevines that are at least 30 to 50 years old, while vines that are over 100 years old are sometimes called "Century Vines." These ancient vines produce lower yields, but they have the potential to create high-quality wines with deeply concentrated flavors. Amid the climate crisis and rapidly changing consumption trends in the market, the French wine industry is once again focusing on the "authenticity shaped by time."

The revival of old vines is naturally influencing winemaking methods as well. This movement, which combines organic cultivation, low-intervention winemaking, and the restoration of traditional grape varieties, has created a new category known as "Retro Wine."

One of the leading producers at the forefront of this trend is Domaines Auriol. Founded in 2000 by winemaker Claude Vialade, this winery has been preserving Carignan vines that are over 100 years old while practicing organic and sustainable farming methods. Of its approximately 1,500 hectares of vineyards, 83% are certified eco-friendly. The winery exports its wines to 40 countries worldwide and has established a strong presence within Europe.

"100 Carignan" is a single-varietal wine made exclusively from Carignan grapes harvested from vines that are over 100 years old, as its name suggests. Carignan is an attractive grape variety that, like Cabernet Sauvignon, offers a rich body and intense flavors, while also delivering the delicate tannins and complex aromas characteristic of southern France. Grown in the IGP Aude region of Languedoc, France, this wine features a deep ruby color, dense fruit aromas of ripe cherry and blackcurrant, the fragrant notes of Mediterranean herbs such as garrigue, and subtle, smooth smoky notes. These elements come together to create a wine with both depth and a fresh structure. On the palate, vibrant acidity and elegant tannins are well balanced, and the long, lingering finish hints at its potential for long-term aging.

This wine has been recognized for its quality, winning prestigious awards at renowned wine competitions. It was awarded a silver medal at the Gilbert & Gaillard International Challenge 2024, a silver medal at the Sommelier Choice Awards 2023, and has maintained a high rating of 4.1 points on VIVINO.

A representative from Gaja Liquor stated, "'100 Carignan' is not simply a wine made from old vines. It is the culmination of 100 years of nature, land, and human stories, and it most clearly embodies the philosophy and identity pursued by the retro wine trend." The representative added, "Through '100 Carignan,' we hope to convey the true value of retro wine to Korean consumers."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.