Lagrein (pronounced lah-GRINE) is an ancient grape variety that finds its home in the sunny vineyards of Trentino-Alto Adige in northeastern Italy. It first appeared in wine documentation around the beginning of the 13th century, was praised in 1370 by Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV, and was on the brink of extinction by the 1970s.

This exciting varietal is a rarity. There are only about 1000 acres planted to Lagrein in the world. The grapes for this wine were sourced from a small vineyard near Pleasant Valley in El Dorado, California.

Dark purple to almost opaque black. To call it full bodied is an understatement. However, it features light floral notes combined with rich herbal notes, toasty oak and tar.  

It was barrel aged for 30 months in French oak barrels.

Pappardelle al Cinghiale (wild boar), roasted root vegetables, aged Provolone

Barbera is the most popular varietal in the Piemonte region of Italy. In Italian, Piemonte means “foot of the mountain.” Fittingly, Barbera also thrives in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada in Amador County CA. This Barbera was sourced entirely from the Sierra Foothills AVA in the Shanandoah Valley. After hand-harvesting, sorting and destemming, the grapes were brought to San Diego to vinify. Aged 30months in neutral French oak barrels.

Medium garnet. Packed with aromas of ripe strawberry and raspberry. Black cherry and cola round out this full bodied beauty. Bright acidity with a heady, smooth, clean finish.

Cheeseburgers, margherita pizza, buffalo mozzarella

(Off-Dry 1.4% RS)

This off-dry style Grenache can be a casual refresher when served chilled or a sophisticated after-dinner treat when served at room temperature. Grapes for this 100% Grenache were sourced from Amador County in the Sierra Foothills AVA.  It was made in our San Diego winery and aged for 24 months in neutral French oak barrels before bottling.

Pale garnet and off-dry. Toasted carmel notes mate with wild strawberry and a sweet kiss of rose petal for a luxurious, full-bodied elixir. 16% alcohol by volume.

Pair with dark chocolate,  strawberry blue cheese salad, Stilton

Charbono has been grown in California since the late 1880’s. Today, very few acres are planted to this varietal that was once the darling the Napa Valley. The grapes for this Charbono were sourced from the Sierra Foothills in El Dorado County, CA near Placerville.  After hand-harvesting, sorting and destemming, I brought the grapes to San Diego to vinify. Aged 30 months in French oak barrels.

Deep purple with ripe black currant, blackberry and pencil shavings on the nose.

Full bodied, complex and layered. Balanced acidity with a long, exciting finish

Carne asada, garlic mashed potatoes, Cotija cheese