The Bechthold Vineyard was planted in 1886 and is organically dry farmed. Birichino claims it is the oldest Cinsault anywhere. The fruit was vinified and, once dry, a small amount of fermenting Cinsault was added and the wine was bottled and sealed with crown cap to gain its sparkle. The result is a saturated peach-melba color and a little cloudy, with a sediment the color of saffron. The fragrance is leesy, almost beer-like, with a sense of tarragon and savory (the herb). But the fruit pops on the palate: yellow peaches, macerated strawberries, something like mango. The wine is ever so slightly effervescent, more a tickle than a fizz. Delicious.
2019 Birichino Cinsault Pétillant Naturel Bechthold Vineyard Mokelumne River Lodi
13% abv | $26
