Birichino Carignane Contra Costa County 2021

Birichino Carignane “Little Big Block Vineyard” Contra Costa County 2021 – a characterful, terroir-driven old-vines carignane from California.

Overview and background

The wine comes from the historic “Little Big Block” vineyard in Contra Costa County, planted around 1895 by Portuguese and Italian winemakers. It’s a true anomaly in modern viticulture, with bush vines grown in deep, clean sandy soil – difficult to work, but never plowed under.

The grapes are harvested early in the morning, undergo spontaneous fermentation in stainless steel, followed by malolactic fermentation and around 15 months in French barriques , of which approximately 20% are new. The wine is bottled unfiltered

Aroma and taste profile

Dark berries such as plums, blackberries and blackcurrants take the lead, while notes of flowers, dark chocolate, licorice, nuts, vanilla, cloves and juniper create complexity and depth.

It has a clear tannin structure and a fresh, perfumed balance between fruit and spice.

Technical profile and style

The alcohol is well balanced — typically high, but masterfully handled so that the wine retains elegance and freshness.

The style is clean, purist and local , true to Birichino's philosophy: minimal intervention, and high terroir expression.

Extra perspective

Birichino generally has a reputation for selecting older, high-quality vines and working with them gently in production – a strategy that yields wines with elegance and site-specific character.

In short: Birichino Carignane 2021 is an impressive old-vine wine with a vibrant perfumed profile that combines intense dark fruit with refined spice and earth tones. It is a wine that unfolds a strong terroir expression, with fine tannins and a nice balance between power and sensitivity.