Hidden from plain view in Medocino’s Redwood Valley are a few old vineyards planted with “unfashionable” varietals. This is not Pinot country. Nor will you find much Cabernet or Chardonnay. Here in the rocky soil you will find Alvin Tollini’s certified organic, head pruned, old-vine Carginan and Petit Sirah. These gnarled vines have historically produced fruit destined for the local co-op. More recently, Napa-based wineries have been buying the intensely dark fruit to blend (and embolden) their estate wines. We believe these vines deserve better. Beginning in 2006, LIOCO will produce a wine from exclusively these contiguous vineyard sites—the first winery to do so since the vines were planted in 1963.

The benchland vineyards of the Redwood Valley AVA sit about 200 feet higher in elevation than those along the Russian River. Accordingly, the climate of this upland valley is slightly cooler, furthered by a gap in the coastal ridge which allows cool Pacific air currents to penetrate. These conditions produce a gradual (and often late) ripening that gives Redwood Valley fruit complexity. The soil--a notable red clay strewn with fist-sized stones-- contributes depth of color and flavor to the wines.

Although this area did not gain official appellation status until 1997, the very first vineyards in Mendocino County were planted here among the ancient redwoods by Italian immigrants. While the trees have long since disappeared, many of these early vines remain, ungrafted, bearing the original varietals of yesteryear. Alvin Tollini, at the request of his late grandfather, resisted the trend to replant more market-driven varietals. He and his uncle Frank remain stalwart custodians of the rapidly disappearing, yet beguiling Carignan.