Le P’tit Paysan is a small producer focused on showcasing the quality and diversity of the wines that Monterey and the nearby AVAs can create. Ian Brand is the owner and winemaker. He is known for his progressive approaches in the vineyard, his commitment to organic farming as well as his excitement for Monterey being an excellent terroir in California. Brand looks for shallow, rocky soils, good site selection and proper varietal match with the soil and climate. The often overlooked greater Monterey Bay Area has a plethora of underappreciated, rocky vineyards, many of which contain a high proportion of limestone.

The Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of 92% Cabernet and 8% Petite Verdot from a three different vineyards: a sustainable vineyard at the foot of the Santa Cruz Mountains on a mix of granitic and volcanic soils, a 25 year-old vineyard east of Gilroy in deep, sandy soils at the foot of the Diablo Range, and a vineyard in the Paicines AVA grown in rocky alluvial soils. The grapes are fermented whole berry and aged for 11 months in neutral barrels. Fresh and concentrated with great depth a flavor and an alluring minerality, enjoy Le P'tit Paysan with marinated skirt steak and grilled vegetables.