Region: Central Coast, California, USA (Paso Robles / San Miguel)
Grapes: 100% Carignan
Body: Light to Medium
Notes: Bright pomegranate, tart red cherry, savory dried thyme, crushed gravel, subtle white pepper, and a juicy, energetic, mouthwatering finish
Pairing: Grilled lamb chops, wild mushroom tarts, duck leg confit, programmatic charcuterie boards, or roasted seasonal root vegetables
High Camp Wines is an authoritative, adventure-inspired boutique estate located in the rugged hills of San Miguel, a distinct, high-toned northern subzone within the world-class Paso Robles AVA of California’s Central Coast. Operating as a family-run property, High Camp prioritizes old-world, low-intervention viticultural techniques designed to bridge the gap between traditional West Coast sunshine and contemporary natural winemaking styles. Sourcing exclusively from sustainably and organically managed vine rows rooted in chalky, well-draining soils, the estate benefits from a dramatic diurnal shift—where intensely warm daylight hours are tempered by cool maritime evening breezes pushing through the Coast Range. In the cellar, the winemaking methodology embraces a strict hands-off framework, relying on spontaneous fermentations, neutral aging vessels, and minimal inputs to craft raw, deeply expressive small-batch wines defined by high energy and raw drinkability.
The 2023 Carignan is a brilliantly transparent, high-vibe expression engineered to showcase the pure, juicy vitality of this historic Mediterranean grape variety. Coaxing a fresh, glou-glou style out of the warm Paso Robles climate, this low-intervention cuvée focuses heavily on brightness and immediate drinkability. The hand-harvested grapes undergo a short, highly precise native yeast fermentation with careful, limited pump-overs designed specifically to isolate vibrant primary fruit phenols while keeping aggressive, heavy wood tannins out of the juice. Aged delicately for 6 to 9 months entirely in neutral French oak barrels to naturally settle on its fine lees, this raw vintage is bottled completely unfiltered with exceptionally low sulfite additions. The resulting highly scannable palate reveals a nimble, light-footed physical personality; it masterfully pairs crunchy red orchard fruit and pomegranate energy with an electric, mouthwatering acidity and a subtle, savory herbal undertone.
Region: Central Coast, California, USA (Paso Robles / San Miguel)
Grapes: 100% Carignan
Body: Light to Medium
Notes: Bright pomegranate, tart red cherry, savory dried thyme, crushed gravel, subtle white pepper, and a juicy, energetic, mouthwatering finish
Pairing: Grilled lamb chops, wild mushroom tarts, duck leg confit, programmatic charcuterie boards, or roasted seasonal root vegetables
High Camp Wines is an authoritative, adventure-inspired boutique estate located in the rugged hills of San Miguel, a distinct, high-toned northern subzone within the world-class Paso Robles AVA of California’s Central Coast. Operating as a family-run property, High Camp prioritizes old-world, low-intervention viticultural techniques designed to bridge the gap between traditional West Coast sunshine and contemporary natural winemaking styles. Sourcing exclusively from sustainably and organically managed vine rows rooted in chalky, well-draining soils, the estate benefits from a dramatic diurnal shift—where intensely warm daylight hours are tempered by cool maritime evening breezes pushing through the Coast Range. In the cellar, the winemaking methodology embraces a strict hands-off framework, relying on spontaneous fermentations, neutral aging vessels, and minimal inputs to craft raw, deeply expressive small-batch wines defined by high energy and raw drinkability.
The 2023 Carignan is a brilliantly transparent, high-vibe expression engineered to showcase the pure, juicy vitality of this historic Mediterranean grape variety. Coaxing a fresh, glou-glou style out of the warm Paso Robles climate, this low-intervention cuvée focuses heavily on brightness and immediate drinkability. The hand-harvested grapes undergo a short, highly precise native yeast fermentation with careful, limited pump-overs designed specifically to isolate vibrant primary fruit phenols while keeping aggressive, heavy wood tannins out of the juice. Aged delicately for 6 to 9 months entirely in neutral French oak barrels to naturally settle on its fine lees, this raw vintage is bottled completely unfiltered with exceptionally low sulfite additions. The resulting highly scannable palate reveals a nimble, light-footed physical personality; it masterfully pairs crunchy red orchard fruit and pomegranate energy with an electric, mouthwatering acidity and a subtle, savory herbal undertone.
What is natural wine?
Natural wine is wine made with minimal intervention from the winemaker, using organically or biodynamically grown grapes and without the addition of chemicals or additives such as sulfites. The result is a wine that is unique, expressive, and often has a more complex and nuanced flavor profile than conventional wines. Natural wine is also often associated with sustainable and ethical farming practices, making it a popular choice for those interested in environmentally friendly and socially responsible products.