Carignane

2011 Contra Costa County Carignane

Lucca Carignane from the 2011 vintage, hailing from Contra Costa County, is a delightful red wine that showcases the true essence of the Carignane grape. This wine presents a medium to full body with a beautiful ruby hue. Its acidity is bright and mouthwatering, perfectly balancing the luscious fruit profile that bursts with notes of ripe black cherries and dark berries. The tannins are notable yet soft, providing a lovely structure without being overpowering. This wine is bone dry, allowing the expressive fruit and subtle earthy undertones to shine through, making it an exceptional choice for various culinary pairings or enjoyable on its own.

Tasting notes:

Black Cherry

Blackberry

Baking Spice

Pairs well with:

Roasted Lamb, Herb Chicken

Region:

Contra Costa County

Known locally as "Napa before there was Napa'" due to its pre-Prohibition glory, Contra Costa is famous for its rustic red wines crafted from grapes grown on century-old vines. This AVA sits just across the bay from San Francisco, where afternoon breezes temper the hot climate. The huge shift from hot days to cool nights helps to slow ripening, so the grapes develop juicy, complex flavors without losing their zippy acidity. Here, the main grapes you will find are Zinfandel, Mourvèdre and Carignan, producing bold wines with an earthy, gamey flavor and lots of mouth-filling tannins.

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