Birichino : St Georges Vineyard Zinfandel Old Vine 2021

Characteristics and Tasting Notes of the St Georges Vineyard Zinfandel Old Vine 2021 by Birichino

Tasting

Nose
The bouquet reveals a refined and slightly floral aromatic palette, marked by notes of juicy fruits and a subtle alpine touch. The olfactory expression reflects the finesse of the century-old vines.

Palate
On the palate, this wine charms with its supple texture and fine structure. The remarkable freshness accompanies a savory expression reminiscent of the elegance of the 2013 vintage.

Serving and Aging
This wine is ideally enjoyed at a temperature between 16 and 18°C, and can be cellared until around 2031.

An exceptionally fresh Californian Zinfandel from the Santa Cruz Mountains

The Estate
Founded in 2008 by Alex Krause and John Locke in Santa Cruz, California, Birichino relies on historical vineyards in the Santa Cruz Mountains and Chalone. The two co-founders, former collaborators of Randall Grahm at Bonny Doon, work with about ten Californian families managing century-old plots. Their minimalist approach favors spontaneous fermentations, aging in neutral containers, and avoids filtration, embodying a "playful" spirit focused on authenticity and freshness.

The Vineyard
The east-facing Besson Vineyard, located in the Central Coast AVA of the Santa Cruz Mountains, flourishes between 110 and 120 meters altitude. The ungrafted Zinfandel vines, planted in 1922, thrive on granite and sandy-loam soils under a warm Mediterranean climate. This vineyard benefits from sustainable viticulture without irrigation.

Vinification and Aging
Hand harvesting precedes vinification with indigenous yeasts. Total destemming is followed by the reintroduction of 10% of the ripest stems. Alcoholic and malolactic fermentations take place in neutral barrels with a single racking. The 9-month aging occurs in barrels and demi-muids, without fining or filtration.

Grape Variety
100% Zinfandel