Birichino Saint Georges Zinfandel Old Vines 2021

Region and Vineyards

The Saint Georges Zinfandel Old Vines is sourced from the Lilo Vineyard, located in the Santa Clara Valley, near the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains. This historic vineyard is home to old, thin-skinned Zinfandel vines that have proven resilient to California’s challenging weather over the decades.

The vineyard benefits from a unique microclimate shaped by its proximity to the Monterey Bay, which brings in cooling coastal breezes. The combination of warm daytime temperatures and cool evening conditions ensures a long, slow ripening season, preserving the grapes’ natural acidity and allowing complex flavors to develop.

The thin-skinned Zinfandel vines produce loose clusters of fruit, which are less prone to over-ripening. This characteristic, coupled with the vineyard’s careful management, ensures a style of Zinfandel that is more balanced and perfumed compared to typical expressions of the grape.

Winemaking

The 2021 vintage brought an exceptional and pristine crop to the vineyard. The harvest took place on October 20th, 2021, notably later than previous years, reflecting the cool and even growing conditions of the vintage. This extended ripening period allowed the fruit to achieve perfect balance and concentration, while retaining moderate alcohol levels at 13.5% abv.

Winemaking at Birichino reflects a minimalist approach. Primary and secondary fermentations were conducted spontaneously using native yeasts, preserving the natural character of the fruit and terroir. The wine was aged in neutral barrels and puncheons, ensuring no overt oak influence that might overshadow the Zinfandel’s freshness and nuance.

Bottled in late summer of the following year without filtration, the wine remains pure, unadulterated, and vibrant, offering a transparent expression of the vineyard’s unique personality.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Bright garnet red with shimmering ruby hues.
• Aroma: Delicate and refined, with aromas of red cherries, wild strawberries, and a subtle hint of botanical herbs. Notes of alpine freshness and a faint touch of earthiness round out the nose.
• Palate: Elegant and medium-bodied, with flavors of fresh red berries, cranberries, and a soft undercurrent of spice. Fine-grained tannins and a lively acidity bring balance and structure, leading to a clean, lingering finish marked by subtle mineral and herbal notes.

Did You Know?

The Saint Georges Zinfandel is crafted from thin-skinned, old-vine Zinfandel grapes, a unique variation that sets it apart from the typically bold and ripe California Zinfandels. This vineyard’s fruit offers finesse and aromatic lift, reminiscent of classic “claret” wines of the past.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Roasted pork loin with rosemary and garlic: The wine’s bright fruit and herbal notes perfectly complement the savory flavors of the pork.
• Herb-crusted chicken with root vegetables: Its lively acidity balances the richness of the dish while enhancing the herbal elements.
• Grilled salmon with cherry glaze: The wine’s delicate red fruit and freshness pair beautifully with the sweetness of the glaze and the richness of the fish.
• Mushroom and thyme risotto: Earthy mushrooms and herbs harmonize wonderfully with the wine’s subtle spice and minerality.

History of Birichino

Founded in 2008 by Alex Krause and John Locke, both seasoned winemakers with extensive experience in California and abroad, Birichino (meaning “mischievous” in Italian) embodies a spirit of creativity and exploration. The duo, who worked together at Bonny Doon Vineyard, brought their shared passion for old vines, traditional techniques, and non-interventionist winemaking to the project.

Birichino’s focus is on underappreciated varietals and vineyards with deep historical significance. With an eye for sourcing fruit from historic vineyards planted as early as the late 19th century, Alex and John prioritize sites that naturally produce balanced fruit requiring minimal intervention.

The name “Birichino” reflects their playful yet thoughtful approach to winemaking—a dedication to crafting wines that are both authentic expressions of place and delightful to drink.

Region and Vineyards

Birichino sources its grapes from a collection of unique and historically significant vineyards across California’s Central Coast, including Santa Cruz Mountains, Chalone AVA, Lodi, and Santa Clara Valley.

• Besson Vineyard (Santa Clara Valley): Planted in 1910, this site is known for its Grenache Noir vines, which produce elegant, aromatic wines with a distinct botanical freshness.
• Rodnick Farm (Chalone AVA): Previously known as Antle Vineyard, this site features granite and limestone-rich soils, yielding Pinot Noir and other varietals with a remarkable mineral character.
• Enz Vineyard (Lime Kiln Valley): A unique terroir producing wines with earthy depth and intense minerality, especially from old-vine Mourvèdre.
• Yount Mill Vineyard (Napa Valley): Historic Sémillon vines planted in 1962, known for their concentrated, low-alcohol wines with herbal and citrus complexity.

These vineyards, many of which are farmed organically or dry-farmed, highlight the diversity and history of California’s viticultural landscape.

Wine Range of Birichino

Birichino’s wine range reflects the diversity of California’s terroirs, combining a focus on heritage vineyards with a playful approach to winemaking. Each wine embodies the authentic character of the varietal and site, offering a spectrum of styles that appeal to both traditionalists and modern wine lovers:

• Pinot Noir: Elegant and terroir-driven, these wines showcase the cool-climate freshness and mineral depth of vineyards like Rodnick Farm and Besson. The Pinots balance vibrant red fruit with savory complexity, creating refined yet approachable expressions.
• Grenache: Highlighted by the iconic Besson Grenache Vignes Centenaires, these wines are aromatic, layered, and nuanced, reflecting the botanical freshness of century-old vines.
• Zinfandel: Crafted with restraint and finesse, Birichino’s Zinfandels emphasize the purity of fruit and structure, offering a counterpoint to the bold, jammy styles often associated with this varietal.
• Sémillon: A rarity in California, Birichino’s Sémillon from the Yount Mill Vineyard is bright, savory, and textured, with unique herbal and citrus notes.
• Mourvèdre: From old vines like those in the Enz Vineyard, these wines are earthy, structured, and profoundly mineral, reflecting their unique terroir.
• Sparkling Wines: Crafted using traditional methods, these effervescent gems balance lively acidity with elegant complexity, showcasing Birichino’s playful and versatile approach.

Each bottle is a tribute to minimal-intervention winemaking, allowing the personality of the vineyard and varietal to shine through in its purest form.

Did You Know?

The founders of Birichino are avid supporters of regenerative agriculture and minimal intervention in the cellar. Their wines often feature spontaneous fermentation with native yeasts, no fining or filtration, and restrained use of oak to preserve the purity of fruit and terroir.