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.