“Mr. Natural” is Birichino’s moniker for their zero-zero or natural wines, organically grown and produced without any additives, fining, or filtration. This Mourvèdre is grown on century-old vines in the dry-farmed Enz Vineyard, in the high-elevation Lime Kiln Valley east of Monterey Bay. Fermentation was spontaneous, and the wine was racked just once before bottling.
It feels edgy at first, tight and nervous, but with air it relaxes in a sigh of violets, blackberries, and wet stone. The mid-palate is ripe with juicy red berries and crunchy acidity. It’s an invigorating tonic, great with the light summer fare I’m serving now.
2018 Birichino Old Vine Mourvèdre Enz Vineyard Mr. Natural Lime Kiln Valley
13% abv | $40
95 cases made
Interesting. I had never heard of the Enz Vineyard, or Lime Kiln Valley for that matter, until a couple of years ago. Now it feels like it’s everywhere. D&R, Bedrock, the Birichino bottling, etc..
The Bedrock guys explained the site quite well in one of their release podcasts.
Thanks, David. I think the Rhone Rangers have been working with Enz fruit for a long time. I’m glad the old vines are getting some contemporary love.