Sandlands Vineyards Contra Costa Carignane 2023

Winemaking

Sandlands Vineyards focuses on Old World varietals grown in California's less conventional regions, with a particular commitment to reviving interest in Carignane and other Mediterranean grapes. The winery approaches winemaking with a philosophy of minimal intervention, allowing the vineyard site and vintage character to shine through in the finished wine.

Tasting Notes

This Carignane opens with aromatic red fruit—think bright cherry and cranberry—layered with subtle spice and earthy undertones that speak to the varietal's savory nature. On the palate, vibrant acidity drives the wine forward, carrying flavors of red cherry and peppery spice with a distinctive mineral thread running through the mid-palate. The fine-grained tannins feel refined rather than heavy, and the finish is clean and elegant with lingering red fruit that invites another sip.

Producer

Sandlands is a small, focused producer working in Contra Costa County, where warm days and cooling maritime influence create ideal conditions for Mediterranean varietals. The winery has built a reputation for honoring these historic grapes and the character they naturally express from California's underappreciated interior coastal regions.

Terroir

Contra Costa County, just inland from the San Francisco Bay, benefits from a warm growing season tempered by evening fog and ocean breezes that drift in from the Pacific. The soils in the region range from gravelly loam to clay, providing excellent drainage while imparting mineral character that defines wines from this distinctive appellation. This combination of heat and marine moderation creates wines with ripe fruit intensity balanced by fresh acidity.

Food Pairings

The wine's bright acidity and peppery spice make it an excellent match for grilled lamb chops with herbs and garlic, or a casual charcuterie board with aged cheddar and cured meats. It also pairs beautifully with roasted chicken seasoned with rosemary, where the wine's mineral undertones and vibrant structure complement both the bird and the herb.