Le Vigne Winery and the Crafting of Italian Heritage in California Vineyards

From high-acid Sangiovese to rare Italian varietals, GM Phillip Anderson blends tradition, patience and terroir to create wines meant for the table and palate.

Le Vigne Gm Phillip Anderson in the winery’s Paso Robles vineyards.

Sparkling wine is hardly commonplace in Paso Robles.

Known for its hearty red wines, the region grew a cult following for its Rhone varietals that have drawn world-wide acclaim. Yet at Le Vigne a sparkling wine headlines a delicious portfolio impressively built under the guidance of General Manager Phillip Anderson.

The Le Vigne “Isabella” Sparkling Blanc de Noir 2021 ($38) is made in the traditional method and 100% Sangiovese. It’s as exciting of a sparkling wine as I’ve opened all season and comes from the most unexpected of places.

“We do a great job growing it, we do a lot with it,” Anderson said. “We think about what makes sparkling out of high-acid Sangiovese. There’s naturally high acid, just a tiny bit of red fruit in this case and free-run juice.”

It’s the kind of wine that can become a signature expression, even if it has to be hand-sold a bit in the tasting room.