COLOUR
Red
TYPE
Still
VINTAGE
2022
GRAPE
Pinot Noir
PRODUCER
Birichino
REGION
California
CHARACTERISTICS
Body
Medium
Sweetness
Dry
Acidity
Medium - High
Finish
Long
Intensity
Mid - Pronounced
Tannins
AROMAS & FLAVOURS
ABOUT THIS WINE
The Birichino Saint Georges Pinot Noir 2022 is a red wine from California's Central Coast, produced by Birichino. It is named in homage to George Besson, a long-time collaborator, and features fruit from the Besson Vineyard, one of the region's oldest organically managed sites. The vineyard, established in the early 1900s, is located at the southern reaches of the Santa Cruz Mountains and is planted with Pinot Noir cuttings from Josh Jensen of Calera. The wine also includes fruit from two sites in the Gabilan Range within the Chalone AVA. Birichino's winemaking philosophy centers on minimal intervention, aiming to create wines with a balance of perfume, finesse, and purity. The name 'Birichino' itself translates to 'naughty' in Italian, hinting at the winery's approach. The 2022 vintage experienced frost damage, leading to some fruit sourcing from nearby blocks.
ALCOHOL
13.5%
AVG. PRICE
STYLE
Natural
SULPHITES
NO
When to drink
Now or Later
Ideal temperature
16-16°C
INTERESTING FACTS
Fact 01
Named in honor of George Besson, a vineyard partner of over 20 years.
Fact 02
Birichino means 'naughty' in Italian, reflecting the winery's playful spirit.
Fact 03
Vineyard cuttings were sourced from Josh Jensen of Calera, a pioneer in California Pinot Noir.
Fact 04
Bottled without filtration, preserving the wine's natural character.
FOOD PAIRING
Read more
WINE MAKING PROCESS
The Birichino Saint Georges Pinot Noir 2022 is produced from 100% Pinot Noir grapes. Fermentation is initiated spontaneously with native yeasts, and approximately one-third of the grape stems are included in the fermentation vessel. Following fermentation, the wine undergoes an extended maceration and maturation period of 10 months, primarily in neutral barrels or old wood. This process is designed to avoid new oak influence and to allow the wine's inherent character to develop. The wine is bottled without filtration in late summer. The vineyards are managed organically.
