Liz's Staff Pick - Martha Stoumen Carignan

Martha Stoumen Carignan, Ricetti Vineyard 2021

Region: Mendocino County, California
Grape: Carignan
Drinks Best: Now - 3 Years

Liz's Notes:

It's not every day that I will drink New World wines, let alone California, but the 'new wave' of California winemaking sings to my Old World heart. Badass female winemaker Martha Stoumen is leading the charge on the West Coast for creating balanced, natural, yet clean and dependable wines from some lesser known grapes. This Carignan is spicy and makes me see purple. Blue fruit and structure, this is a wine that is meant to be paired with food - just like you would find from Carignan in Southern France.

What's Cooking?

Sage and brown butter gnocchi with pancetta and sautéed spinach and mushroom medley.

What do I like to drink?

My go-to region is usually Italy because I am typically cooking up something Italian in my kitchen, it's in my blood. But, Austrian wines have quickly become my standby. After two separate wine trips to the region, I've found that the people, food, and atmosphere in Austria is hard to beat, and can only be matched by the stunningly versatile and delicious wines they produce. Besides those regions, natural and funky are my jam - especially if I can put a light chill on it and enjoy with just some charcuterie and cheese.