Birichino Scylla 2022

Region and Vineyards

The fruit for Birichino Scylla comes from historic vineyards in Lodi’s Mokelumne River AVA and Santa Clara Valley, two regions that perfectly represent California’s rich viticultural heritage.

In Lodi, the Montague Vineyard, planted in 1927, is a remarkable site known for its old-vine Carignane. The deep-rooted vines thrive in the fertile yet well-drained Tokay Fine Sandy Loam soils, producing fruit with exceptional vibrancy and energy. Here, Carignane develops a strikingly bright fruit profile, brimming with flavors of red cherries, raspberries, and subtle floral notes.

Nearby, the Mule Plane Vineyard, planted in 1930, offers a contrasting expression of Carignane. The vines, situated in rocky soils, produce smaller berries with greater concentration and complexity. This vineyard’s grapes bring a darker, more mineral-driven and savory character to the wine, balancing the exuberant fruit from Montague.

The final component of the blend, Mourvèdre, comes from the historic Besson Vineyard in Santa Clara Valley. With its cooler climate and old vines, Besson contributes layers of structure, deeper fruit tones, and a touch of exotic spice, adding depth and dimension to Birichino Scylla.

Winemaking

The 2022 Birichino Scylla embodies the winery’s philosophy of minimal intervention, a commitment to allowing the vineyards’ voices to shine. Grapes were meticulously hand-harvested in late September, ensuring optimal ripeness and freshness. This careful selection preserves the bright fruit character while capturing the nuance of each vineyard.

Fermentation occurred spontaneously with native yeasts, reflecting Birichino’s focus on authenticity and terroir expression. Each varietal—Carignane and Mourvèdre—was vinified separately to allow their unique attributes to develop. Aging was done in neutral barrels, ensuring the wine retained its pure fruit expression and natural energy without interference from oak.

The blend consists of 47% Carignane (Montague Vineyard), 31% Carignane (Mule Plane Vineyard), and 22% Mourvèdre (Besson Vineyard). Bottled in June without fining or filtration, this wine preserves its raw, unadulterated character and vibrant complexity. With a total production of only 447 cases, Birichino Scylla is an artisanal wine that reflects both heritage and innovation.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep ruby with brilliant garnet highlights.
• Aroma: A captivating nose of red cherries, wild raspberries, and hints of dried herbs. Subtle notes of savory spice, earth, and a faint mineral streak add complexity.
• Palate: Fresh and lively, with juicy red fruit flavors—cherry, pomegranate, and ripe raspberry—balanced by a distinct mineral edge and savory undertones. The fine-grained tannins and bright acidity create a medium-bodied, textured wine with a long, vibrant finish.

Did You Know?

The name Scylla is inspired by the mythical sea monster from Homer’s Odyssey. Just like its namesake, this wine combines elements of elegance and wildness, capturing both the bright energy of Carignane and the earthy depth of Mourvèdre.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Grilled lamb chops with rosemary: The wine’s savory notes and bright acidity complement the richness of the lamb and the herbal flavors.
• Seared duck breast with cherry glaze: The fruit-forward character of the wine enhances the sweet-savory balance of the dish.
• Wild mushroom risotto: The earthy complexity of the wine pairs beautifully with the umami-rich mushrooms.
• Charcuterie and aged cheeses: The wine’s freshness and structure make it a versatile partner for a selection of cured meats and cheeses.

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.