Each week, I like to spotlight a wine that has truly stood out—whether for its unique character, the story behind its creation, or simply the pure joy it brings. This week’s pick – the 2021 Ridge Vineyards Falanghina is no exception.
I’m excited to feature this wine not just for its exceptional quality and food-friendly character, but also because Falanghina is a hidden gem in California’s wine scene. As a variety that’s still emerging, it’s a rare find, with only a handful of wineries crafting Falanghina wines. This makes it a unique choice for adventurous wine lovers looking to explore something different!
Ridge Vineyards
Ridge Vineyards is a legendary California winery with two prominent estates: Monte Bello in the Santa Cruz Mountains and Lytton Springs in Sonoma County. Best known for its world-class “Monte Bello” Bordeaux-style Cabernet Sauvignon blend, single-vineyard Zinfandels, and estate Chardonnay, Ridge has a history that dates back to 1960, when three engineers from the Stanford Research Institute purchased the property. The winery’s first commercial vintage followed in 1962
Great wines have always been determined by their site – by nature, not by man – Paul Draper
Ridge rose to international fame when its Monte Bello took fifth place at the iconic “Judgment of Paris” tasting in 1976, competing against top French and Californian wines. Thirty years later, the 1971 Monte Bello was retasted and unanimously took first place, solidifying Ridge’s reputation for producing wines of exceptional quality and longevity.
Today, Ridge is a leader in sustainability and climate action. As the largest grower of organic grapes in Sonoma County and the Santa Cruz Mountains AVA, with nearly 380 acres of certified organic vines, they uphold a comprehensive approach to sustainable farming. Ridge is also a proud member of the International Wineries for Climate Action (IWCA), dedicated to decarbonizing the global wine industry.
Falanghina
Falanghina (“fah-lahn-gee-nah“) is an ancient Italian white grape variety native to the Campania region in southern Italy, with origins that are believed to trace back to Greece. Renowned for its aromatic profile, which features citrus, floral, and stone fruit notes alongside vibrant acidity, Falanghina excels in both still and sparkling wines.
In California, Falanghina is an emerging variety introduced in the late 20th century. While still relatively rare, a handful of wineries have begun to explore its potential, particularly in warmer climates. As interest in unique and lesser-known varietals grows, Falanghina is steadily finding its place in California’s diverse wine landscape, offering a refreshing alternative to more traditional white wines.
2021 Ridge Falanghina
Fruit for this wine is sourced from the Alder Springs vineyard, which is located in far northern Mendocino County on the 6,000-acre Alder Springs Ranch. Just 12 miles from the Pacific Ocean, the site is an ecological gem as well as the ideal place to grow grapes. It is sustainably farmed.
The hilly landscape climbs to 4,000 feet and offers nearly perfect growing conditions: bright sun, cool nights, phenomenal low-vigor soils. Since 1993 we’ve planted about 140 acres of grapes at elevations ranging from 1,700 to 2,700 feet. (1)
The sustainably grown grapes were whole-cluster pressed and fermented with native yeast, undergoing natural malolactic conversion. The wine was then aged entirely in stainless steel barrels, preserving its vibrant freshness and expressive character.
Tasting note:
Straw color with with enticing peach, almond, lemon zest, and a hint of green apple. On the palate, it’s medium-bodied with zesty acidity and flavors of white peach, honey, lemon zest, subtle green apple and almond. Medium-long finish. 91% Falanghina/6% Vermentino/3% Picpoul Blanc 13.7% abv|SRP – $35|90pts
As I savored this wine, I couldn’t help but wonder what inspired Ridge to bottle a relatively unknown grape. A few thoughts came to mind. First and foremost, Ridge is committed to sourcing quality fruit that is sustainably farmed. The fact that the grapes for this wine were sourced from Alder Springs indicates Ridge saw an opportunity to experiment with Falanghina, a heat-adapted white variety that thrives in warmer climates, while expanding its offerings to meet the growing interest in unique varietals. By choosing grapes from one of California’s finest vineyards, Ridge not only provides curious wine enthusiasts with diverse options but also maintains its focus on quality and terroir-driven wines.
Food Pairing Ideas
Falanghina, with its crisp acidity and vibrant fruit flavors, pairs wonderfully with a variety of foods. Its bright citrus and floral notes complement fresh seafood, making it an ideal match for dishes like grilled shrimp, oysters, and light fish preparations. The wine’s refreshing profile also enhances creamy pasta dishes, especially those featuring shellfish or light tomato sauces. For a delightful contrast, consider serving Falanghina with roasted vegetables or salads that include tangy dressings. Additionally, its versatility shines when paired with Mediterranean cuisine, such as bruschetta, antipasto platters, or herbed chicken.
If you’re a curious wine enthusiast seeking something different—especially if you enjoy Chardonnay—this wine is a must-try! I highly recommend giving it a chance; you won’t be disappointed! You may find the 2023 Alder Springs (It’s 82% Falanghina/18% Vermentino) here.
Sources and resources:
(1) Alder Spring Vineyard; About Us
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