Here we have selected three wines with minimal production in California, but in Italy, they are iconic. As you know, all these Italian varieties are grown on our Los Alamos Vineyard. In all my years of growing grapes, there has always been a question of where Italian varieties should grow. Most of them in California were planted over the years in the wrong places. Los Alamos is the right place. It’s not too hot, not too cold, has a long growing season, and has usable soils. That is the reason that when we bought the property, we did not change the varieties. We did upgrade the trellising and care.

2022 Malvasia Bianca “Secco”: I have always wanted a girlfriend named Malvasia Bianca. Little did I know she was a grape! This is a variety that Beringer got me interested in 50 years ago. When we acquired the Carrari Ranch, I added 3 or 4 acres. From the Muscat family, but with a little more character, this is a wine that can be made both dry and sweet. I would term the experience of drinking it as refreshing, and I like it without the sugar.

2020 Sangiovese: This is the most prolific variety in Italy. Its heart is in Tuscany. It is the grape of Chianti, and if you want the best, you go to Brunello di Montalcino. Been there, done that. Sangiovese has become the most popular Italian grape that we grow. We have had to add vines and graft others to the variety to keep up. This 2020 vintage scored 90 points at Wine Enthusiast. I would call this wine approachable, easy to drink, and it’s red!

21 Nebbiolo: I should give my bullriding Italian uncle’s opinion of this wine. This wine is big. Big tannins, the most tannic grape we grow, but without much color. Growing Nebbiolo is close to impossible but when done right, it is the best in Italy. It is historically grown at the base of the Alps in Piemonte, a cool and foggy region. Los Alamos is a perfect place for the variety. It has taken us a long time to learn to grow the grape and make the wine. In reality, it is different, and I mean that in a good way. Nebbiolo is to Italy what Cabernet is to France. The more age you give it, the better it will be.

As we enter the season of Thanksgiving, I would say I am thankful for Anjie but I can’t overdo it. With this busy world, take time and be thankful. Don’t overlook your blessings, and be thankful for family and friends.