29 Jul Please The Palate Wine of the Week: Post & Vine 2022 Carignane, Testa Vineyard, Mendocino

A few weeks ago, I shared a Post & Vine Carignane from Contra Costa County that reminded me just how compelling this underappreciated grape can be. This week, I opened another bottle, this time from Mendocino County’s historic Testa Vineyard. I was once again impressed by the character and versatility of Carignane. Farmed by the same family for generations and grown using organic and biodynamic practices, the Post & Vine 2022 Carignane from Testa Vineyard in Mendocino is the Please The Palate Wine of the Week.

About Post & Vine

Post & Vine owner and winemaker Rebekah Wineburg has a mission to preserve and showcase California’s historic vineyards. She focuses on small-lot wines sourced from old vines and heritage sites, allowing each vineyard to tell its own story. Rebekah is a proponent of Carignane, one of California’s historic grape varieties, once widely planted throughout the state but now considered relatively rare.

The Testa Vineyard is located in Calpella in the Redwood Valley of Mendocino County. This beautiful ranch was founded in 1912 and is now farmed by the fourth and fifth generations of the Testa (Martinson) family, making it one of Mendocino County’s enduring agricultural legacies. The vineyard’s head-trained vines are planted on rolling hills in rocky, red soils composed of sandy and pebbly loam. These well-draining soils, combined with dry farming, result in small clusters of concentrated, complex fruit. The Carignane, along with Petite Sirah, Zinfandel, and Grenache, was planted in the 1950s and continues to thrive today.

Testa Vineyard is both Certified Organic (CCOF) and Certified Biodynamic (Demeter), reflecting a long-standing commitment to responsible farming and stewardship of the land. The vineyard is a living example of how tradition and sustainability can work hand in hand to produce wines with authenticity and character.

Tasting Notes

The Post & Vine 2022 Carignane opens with aromas of red cherry, raspberry, plum, violets, subtle spice, and a hint of earthiness. On the palate, the wine offers fresh acidity balancing the fruit and a gentle savory character that adds complexity.  The texture is smooth and the wine is approachable, with enough structure to carry through the finish while remaining easy to enjoy.

Food Pairing

Carignane is a natural partner for food thanks to its lively acidity and balanced structure. This wine pairs beautifully with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, tomato-based dishes, and herb-driven cuisine. While the last bottle I had of Post & Vine Carignan was at a family dinner with grilled meats, this time I enjoyed the wine with a casual meal of a burger and fries. The smooth tannins made the wine a great compliment to the burger. And, while the wine has red fruit aromas, it was the savory aspects of the wine that stood out with the burger.

Where To Purchase

Only 42 cases were produced of the 2022 Post & Vine Testa Vineyard, Mendocino Carignane which retails for $40 and can be purchased directed at Post & Vine.