Birichino Besson Vineyard Grenache Old Vines 2023

Alex Krause and John Locke founded Birichino in 2008 and work the old vineyards of the Santa Cruz mountains with minimal intervention. The Besson Vineyard Grenache comes from old vines on this cool, coastal range, where ocean influence and a wide diurnal range slow ripening and preserve freshness, so the wine stays light at 13.5 percent and keeps lively acidity. Whole and partial whole bunch fermentation with native yeasts adds a peppery, floral lift and fine tannin from the stems, and ageing for ten months in used French oak gives gentle oxygen exchange without new wood flavour. The result is pale ruby with aromas of red berries, cherry and white peach over dried herbs, crushed rose and a touch of earth. The palate is light to medium bodied, with bright acidity, soft tannin and a savoury, peppery finish. Serve at 14 to 16 degrees, lightly chilled, in a Burgundy glass. It pairs with roast duck, pork and mushroom dishes.