At a glance

Producer

Ridge Vineyards

Region

California, USA

Grape variety

Aglianico

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$50-$70

Tasting profile

Bold blackberry and plum fruit dominated by firm tannins, hints of spice, leather, and earth

Evolution: Fruit will integrate more with the tannins, spice and leather notes will gain complexity

At peak: Rich, fully integrated with elegant tannins, nuanced secondary and tertiary aromas of truffle, tobacco, and dried herbs

Structure

Acidity

High, vibrant to balance the full body

Tannins

High, firm but well-integrated

Alcohol

14.5%

Aging potential

15-20+ years due to structure and vintage quality

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2028 to 2045

Optimal window

2025 to 2048

Current status

Approaching early maturity

Current condition

Youthful tannins with developing complexity

The 2020 vintage in California was warm with good ripening conditions, producing structured, concentrated Aglianico with excellent tannin and acidity balance. This supports long aging up to 15-20 years, reaching peak complexity around 8-10 years post-vintage.

Food pairing

Pairs well with hearty red meat dishes like grilled ribeye, lamb stew, mushroom risotto, and aged hard cheeses.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — Allow young tannins to soften and aromas to open fully

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Ridge Vineyards practices water conservation via drip irrigation, energy efficient winery operations, recycling materials, and minimal intervention in vineyards.

Ridge Vineyards has a strong commitment to sustainable farming practices supported by certification. They emphasize energy and water efficiency, responsible waste management, and reducing chemical inputs. Their wines are bottled using lightweight glass to reduce packaging impact. While local production helps limit transport emissions especially for domestic markets, exports will add to carbon footprint. Overall, the wine rates well for sustainability among wines at this price and style.