Ricetti Vineyard, Mendocino, CA
How do you describe Carignan—one of the most overlooked grapes in California’s long history of viticulture? For Rosalind Reynolds, it’s become a calling card, a way of showing her approach and style in the clearest terms.
In Spain and the south of France, Carignan has long thrived thanks to its hardy, drought-resistant vines. In California, though, it was once pushed into high-yield, bulk production—a blender more than a star. As Cabernet, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay took center stage, most old vineyards were torn out. A few survived, including Ricetti in Mendocino.
Rosalind works with that fruit to show Carignan’s brighter, bramblier side. The result is a wine you can picture on the Thanksgiving table—full of lift and spice, more forgiving than your great uncle, and much easier to spend the evening with.
Ricetti Vineyard, Mendocino, CA
How do you describe Carignan—one of the most overlooked grapes in California’s long history of viticulture? For Rosalind Reynolds, it’s become a calling card, a way of showing her approach and style in the clearest terms.
In Spain and the south of France, Carignan has long thrived thanks to its hardy, drought-resistant vines. In California, though, it was once pushed into high-yield, bulk production—a blender more than a star. As Cabernet, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay took center stage, most old vineyards were torn out. A few survived, including Ricetti in Mendocino.
Rosalind works with that fruit to show Carignan’s brighter, bramblier side. The result is a wine you can picture on the Thanksgiving table—full of lift and spice, more forgiving than your great uncle, and much easier to spend the evening with.
