Pais

Known in California as the Mission grape, Pais was the first wine grape (vitis vinifera) to be planted in the U.S. and in fact—in all of North America. Originally from Spain, where it’s known as Listán Prieto, settlers brought it to Mexico in 1540 and it arrived in California at the Mission San Diego in the late 1700s. Propagated for its use as a sacramental wine, Mission remained important in California until the spread of phylloxera in the 1880s.

Tasting Notes for Pais

Pais is a dry red wine often produced in a tart rustic style with a midweight body and notes of raspberry leaf, cherry, balsamic and sage.

Perfect Food Pairings for Pais

Try País paired with foods of the Mediterranean like Spanish tapas, dolmas, roasted duck, chicken or quail or grilled mushrooms.

Sommelier Secrets for Pais

In Chile it is called Pais. In Argentina, Pais is known as Criolla Chica.