Birichino St-Georges Pinot Noir 2023

Birichino was founded in 2008 by Alex Krause and John Locke, experienced producers who set out to show the most authentic expression of the Santa Cruz mountains in California. They champion organic practices and minimal intervention. This St-Georges Pinot Noir comes from three plots in the Santa Clara Valley, where the cooling influence of the Pacific and the elevation of the mountains temper the warm California sun. The wide day-to-night temperature swing slows ripening and keeps acidity fresh, giving the wine its lift and fragrance, while the well-drained mountain soils restrain yields and concentrate the fruit. After fermentation the wine is aged for 12 months in used French oak barrels, an older cooperage chosen so the oak adds structure and a measured oxygen exchange rather than overt wood flavour, keeping the focus on the grape. The colour is bright ruby red. The nose shows cherry and red berries with a floral, earthy lift. The palate is light to medium bodied, with fresh acidity, fine tannin and a savoury, lightly peppered finish. Serve at 15 to 16 degrees, a touch cool. It pairs well with duck, roast poultry and mushrooms.