What's the Scoop on Carignan?
You may wonder, what's so special about this under-loved variety and why are old Carignan vineyards literally disappearing? For 20 years ending in the 1980s, Carignan was the most widely planted grape in California. It has now been replaced by more popular Cabernet, Pinot, and Zinfandel. Carignan is often an unsung blending component - so you may have enjoyed it unknowingly, and that's the point here.
From our experience, Carignan is fragrant, fruit forward, vibrant, richly textured and unapologetically on the wild side. It's an underdog of a variety and you know how much we love those. Over the last 17 years we have enjoyed working with fruit from a number of the best and oldest Carignan vineyards of Lodi to blend into our Rosé.
The Rauser Vineyard was planted in 1906 on its own roots in the Victor Triangle. We discovered this vineyard back in the day from our friend Steve Felton who had just taken over the farming of these ancient vines. For a few years, these grapes found their way into our early vintages of Rosé. We loved the contrast between the twisted, rugged vines and the vivacious, fragrant wine it made.
Fast forward to 2023 and the offer of a few tons for our red wine program. We said "hell yes", picked it on a full moon, treated it gently and voila here it is. As you may know from the 2022, we present a refined and elegant version of this wild child of a grape. 
A little background on the Victor Triangle, home to a handful of vineyards over 100 years old. The Mokelumne River runs thru this tony Lodi vine neighborhood that includes vineyards you may know: Kirschenmann, Faith, Katushas and the unique Mokelumne Glen which sports 54 German varieties. The Know Place is there, the best before or after dinner hangout in the 209. Speaking of dinners, some of our besties live in the hood and many epic evenings have been enjoyed here over the years. Now you have the scoop and know why we are thrilled to have this wine for you. It goes deep.
The 2023 Rauser Carignan is ruby red with fragrances of dried cranberry, ripe cherry and earth all of which continue onto the palate round and soft. The red fruits are spiked with spices that hint at cinnamon, black pepper, and a dusting of cayenne. Tannins are subtle and build with each sip finishing long, spicy, warm and earthy. Chill it a bit and enjoy with your favorites: mac and cheese, duck tacos, pozole, wagyu sliders, mussels and chorizo.
Don't be afraid, give it a try and help keep these beautiful ancient vines in the ground.
