New
75cl
Birichino Yount Mill Vineyard Semillon 2020
Vendor code : 307
Birichino are wines that can be attributed to the Californian New Wave. Located in Lime Kiln Valley, this small appellation, little known and secluded, contains vines dating back to 1895. The red wines are vinified with whole bunches and local yeasts in stainless steel tanks, and bottled without clarification or filtration.
Color
White
Fortress
11%
Country
USA
Region
California
Grape
Semillon
Producer
Birichino
Vintage
2020
Birichino expresses pride in their decision to persist with the 19th-century practice of producing wine from Sémillon grapes grown in the Napa Valley, even though it may be a challenging endeavor. The Pelissa/Hoxsey family, who have been farmers in the region since 1903, planted the Sémillon vines in 1962 at Yount Mill Vineyard using sustainable farming methods such as dry farming and organic cultivation. The style of this wine is a modern expression of the classic Napa Valley Semillon, with a focus on freshness and balance. On the nose, this wine is expressive with aromas of citrus, green apple, pear, and hints of honey and vanilla. These aromas are complemented by a subtle note of oak that adds complexity to the wine. On the palate the wine has a refreshing acidity that balances the ripe fruit flavors, resulting in a harmonious and elegant wine. It is an excellent choice for those who appreciate complex and elegant white wines with refreshing acidity.
Alex and John, known as the owners of Birichino, deal with time-honored family vineyards in California that have been in operation for generations. These vineyards produce wines that are truly unique and cannot be found elsewhere in the state. Alex acknowledges that he depends on the goodwill of the families who own these vineyards to cultivate the grapes essential for crafting their vibrant Birichino wines. These families, with roots in France, Portugal, and Italy, trace their lineage to immigrants who arrived in California during the late 1800s or early 1900s and established vineyards. The Malvasia Bianca grape, which served as the foundation for Birichino, is an ancient variety and is said to have been brought to California as a cutting by one of these families, carried in the suitcase of a grandfather arriving from Italy. Located in California's mountainous regions, these vineyards benefit from a rich terroir composed of layers of granite, limestone, and clay. This terroir contributes to the depth and complexity of flavors found in Birichino wines. The struggle of the vines to thrive in the rocky soil plays a pivotal role in shaping the unique characteristics of the wines. For instance, they harvest Malvasia grapes from the Salinas Valley at 2:00 a.m., when the grapes reach their peak acidity due to cooler temperatures. When producing their Vin Gris rosé, they select specific grape varieties like Grenache and Cinsault, cultivated explicitly for rosé production, rather than using leftover juice from other wine processes. Their winemaking process involves gentle pressing, and their white wines undergo extended fermentation at low temperatures. They utilize stainless steel or neutral barrels for this purpose. Notably, they abstain from filtering their red wines.
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