Tegan Passalacqua has developed quite the following since leaving Turley Vineyards in 2010.  His experience with California terroir is allowed to marry with with his passion for quality winemaking as he heads the small production of his own project, Sandlands.  With access to old vines in dry sandy sites, Tegan is able to produce California wines that are balanced and classic in style. 

Contra Costa is a blend of Carignane and Mourvedre that is accessible and easy-drinking even though it is made with varietals known for their heavy tannins.  It's evocative of the sandy desert landscape, with notes of salty sun-dried plums and shrubby arroyo, accented by purple floral tones and balanced by refreshing acidity on the palate. 

Grape: 65% Carignane, 35% Mataro (Mourvedre), planted in the 1920's

Viticulture: Sustainable

Soils: Granite sands deposited by wind and water

Pairings: Mesquite-smoked ribs, Southwestern burger