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This drop is built around Carignan (or Carignane), and a single idea: the perfect holiday wine might be one you've never heard of.
Often overshadowed by Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir, Carignan is a grape with deep Mediterranean roots and a remarkable ability to complement food. With its vibrant acidity, juicy fruit, and savory spice, it's an exciting alternative to the usual holiday reds.
For November, I've selected two independent California wineries that showcase the character, history, and versatility of this overlooked grape.
Inside this release:
Saint K | 2023 Gravesend Carignan | Retail Price $45
Saint K isn't your typical Paso Robles winery. Led by Keith Robinson and Matt Reese, the winery embraces small-batch production, expressive grape varieties, and an unconventional approach to wine.
Working with fruit from carefully selected Central Coast vineyards, the team focuses on allowing each grape and vineyard to speak for itself. Its distinctive labels, illustrated by artist Dane Curley, make every bottle a story in its own right.
The 2023 Gravesend Carignan captures the adventurous spirit of Saint K, bringing an intriguing California interpretation of this traditional Mediterranean grape to your holiday table.
Frog's Tooth | 2023 Ancient Vine Carignane | Retail Price $45
Some wines tell a story that spans generations.
Nestled in California's Sierra Foothills, Frog's Tooth Winery celebrates the region's rich winemaking heritage through distinctive, small-production wines.
Its Ancient Vine Carignane comes from vines planted in Lodi, CA, the 1900s. These remarkable vines have endured generations of California winemaking, producing fruit that connects today's wine lovers to the region's viticultural past.
With a history rooted in the turn of the 20th century, this Carignane offers more than a glass of wine. It's an opportunity to experience a living piece of California wine history.
Why this drop matters:
Carignan has a long history, but rarely gets the attention it deserves. Once valued primarily as a blending grape, it is increasingly being recognized for its ability to produce distinctive, food-friendly wines in its own right.
And with the holidays approaching, there's no better time to discover it.
From herb-roasted turkey and glazed ham to mushroom dishes, stuffing, and roasted vegetables, Carignan's acidity and savory character make it a versatile companion for seasonal gatherings.
By tasting these two wines side by side, you'll discover how different California producers bring their own perspectives to the same grape.
This drop is built around Carignan (or Carignane), and a single idea: the perfect holiday wine might be one you've never heard of.
Often overshadowed by Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir, Carignan is a grape with deep Mediterranean roots and a remarkable ability to complement food. With its vibrant acidity, juicy fruit, and savory spice, it's an exciting alternative to the usual holiday reds.
For November, I've selected two independent California wineries that showcase the character, history, and versatility of this overlooked grape.
Inside this release:
Saint K | 2023 Gravesend Carignan | Retail Price $45
Saint K isn't your typical Paso Robles winery. Led by Keith Robinson and Matt Reese, the winery embraces small-batch production, expressive grape varieties, and an unconventional approach to wine.
Working with fruit from carefully selected Central Coast vineyards, the team focuses on allowing each grape and vineyard to speak for itself. Its distinctive labels, illustrated by artist Dane Curley, make every bottle a story in its own right.
The 2023 Gravesend Carignan captures the adventurous spirit of Saint K, bringing an intriguing California interpretation of this traditional Mediterranean grape to your holiday table.
Frog's Tooth | 2023 Ancient Vine Carignane | Retail Price $45
Some wines tell a story that spans generations.
Nestled in California's Sierra Foothills, Frog's Tooth Winery celebrates the region's rich winemaking heritage through distinctive, small-production wines.
Its Ancient Vine Carignane comes from vines planted in Lodi, CA, the 1900s. These remarkable vines have endured generations of California winemaking, producing fruit that connects today's wine lovers to the region's viticultural past.
With a history rooted in the turn of the 20th century, this Carignane offers more than a glass of wine. It's an opportunity to experience a living piece of California wine history.
Why this drop matters:
Carignan has a long history, but rarely gets the attention it deserves. Once valued primarily as a blending grape, it is increasingly being recognized for its ability to produce distinctive, food-friendly wines in its own right.
And with the holidays approaching, there's no better time to discover it.
From herb-roasted turkey and glazed ham to mushroom dishes, stuffing, and roasted vegetables, Carignan's acidity and savory character make it a versatile companion for seasonal gatherings.
By tasting these two wines side by side, you'll discover how different California producers bring their own perspectives to the same grape.