Wines Alexander Valley Ferrari-Carano - 2015

The 2015 Ferrari-Carano from Alexander Valley AVA is an exemplary California red wine, crafted with the expertise for which this historic estate is renowned. While the precise varietal blend isn’t specified here, Alexander Valley is most celebrated for producing elegant Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, often enhanced with small amounts of Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, or Malbec in classic Bordeaux blends. The 2015 vintage was marked by warm, even weather leading up to harvest, contributing to ripe fruit character and supple tannins. The wine likely spent significant time aging in oak, adding complexity, structure, and notes of vanilla and spice.

Alexander Valley, nestled in northern Sonoma County, boasts a combination of gravelly, well-drained soils and the beneficial microclimate shaped by the Russian River. The region’s warm days and cool mornings foster slow ripening, allowing grapes to develop deep concentration of flavors while retaining natural acidity. With a history rooted in Italian immigrant tradition, modern Alexander Valley has evolved into one of California’s prime sites for robust reds, prized for their approachability and finesse.

To complement the generous fruit and structure typical of a Ferrari-Carano Alexander Valley red, consider pairing this wine with dishes boasting similar depth and complexity. Grilled or roasted meats such as ribeye steak, rack of lamb, or slow-cooked beef short ribs bring out the richness of the wine. Mushroom risotto, aged cheddar, or blue cheese will also enhance both the earthy and fruity notes. For a regional touch, serve with tri-tip roast — a Californian classic — or barbecued pork ribs brushed with a tangy sauce.

For optimal enjoyment, decant the wine about thirty minutes before serving to allow its bouquet to open. The ideal serving temperature is 16-18°C, which will best showcase the wine’s balance, tannins, and ripe fruit flavors. This 2015 Alexander Valley red is superb today, but also holds further aging potential for several more years.