Monthly Spotlight
Each month we spotlight one of our small-production, single-vineyard wines with a deep dive into the vineyard location, property history, wine style and pairing preferences. This month's spotlight is...
2016 Buchignani Ranch Carignane
10% off 1-11 bottle purchases, 15% off 12+. Members receive 15% off 1-11 bottle purchases, 20% off 12+.
TASTING NOTE
Black cherry, licorice, and floral notes on the nose. On the palate figs, cocoa, medium bodied with lively acidity, elegant tannins. Finishes with a hint of mint and juniper berry. (JO, 3/18)
WINEMAKER VIDEO
LOCATION
Northwestern edge of the Alexander Valley appellation, in the hills bordering upper Dry Creek Valley
HISTORY
Stan Buchignani's ranch is located on Dutcher Creek Road, in the hills on the far western edge of the Alexander Valley appellation. Stan's grandfather, Dominico Cerruti, first planted a five acre block in 1927; his father, Dino, added seven acres in the 1940’s and planted the last in the early 1950s. The vineyard's climate bears a strong resemblance to that of upper Dry Creek Valley three miles to the south, where days are quite warm. Fog, which tends to hang low in the valley, burns off sooner in the hills. Carignane from the Buchignani Ranch is complex, its fine structure much like that of a field-blend zinfandel.
PAIRINGS
Food
One of the carignane's most endearing qualities is its brilliant versatility with food. Its bright acidity and soft tannins allow it to pair with a variety of foods from Wood-fired pizza to poultry to seafood. We love it with this recipe for Smoked Duck Breast with Spiced Cranberry Chutney.
Occasion
The perfect way to treat your valentine