1995 Pagani Alicante

This varietal, planted extensively in the south of France, was brought to California in the 1870s along with grenache, mataró, and petite sirah. The Pagani family planted it some eighty years ago, with the specific purpose of providing fresh grapes to the eastern market during Prohibition. It was prized then—as now—as one of the few varietals with red juice, hence the ability to enhance a wine’s color. We fermented the three small parcels separately, choosing the richest and most lively for this Advance Tasting Program release. As before, we included zinfandel for better balance. This year we also added mataro, for additional complexity. Appealing now, with its spicy red fruit and ripe structure, this lovely wine will develop fully over the next four or five years. PD (1/97)

Since 1962, Ridge has championed single-vineyard winemaking, searching California for those rare vineyards where climate, soil, and varietal are ideally matched. Fine wine, when made traditionally, is the result of a natural process. Ridge’s aim is to implement that process; using traditional methods and minimal handling, we strive to produce exceptional wines from superior and distinctive fruit.

Average Rating: 90

No. of Tasting Notes: 3

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