Birichino 'Vin Gris' Rose, California

2024 Birichino Vin Gris is a serious, finely structured California rosé built around Grenache and remarkable parcels of 19th-century Mourvèdre and Cinsault. Direct pressing and a long, cool native fermentation in stainless steel preserve the wine's aromatic lift, while the decision to inhibit malolactic fermentation keeps the palate taut and vivid. Grenache brings generous red fruit and rosehip tones, ancient Mourvèdre and Cinsault contribute perfume and grip, and small additions of Carignane and Vermentino sharpen the wine with bright fruit, herbal lift and salinity. The result is fragrant, energetic and persistent, balancing delicacy with uncommon depth.

Product Details:

• Founders & Winemakers: Alex Krause and John Locke
• Grape Varieties: 72% Grenache, 10% Mourvèdre, 10% Carignane, 4% Cinsault, 4% Vermentino
• Vine Age: Includes own-rooted Cinsault and Mourvèdre planted in 1886 and 1895, plus Carignane planted in the late 1920s and older Grenache
• Soils: Grenache grown on deep sand over shale
• Farming: Includes own-rooted, dry-farmed heritage vineyards
• Harvest: Night harvested to preserve freshness
• Pressing: Direct pressed
• Fermentation: Sequential, months-long cool native fermentation in a single stainless-steel tank, with varieties added as they ripen
• Malolactic Fermentation: Inhibited
• Élevage: Exclusively stainless steel, typically through the following spring
• Alcohol: 13.0%
• pH: 3.16
• Total Acidity: 5.7 g/L

Sensory Description:

Highly aromatic and vivid, with red cherry, strawberry and rosehip joined by violet and other floral tones from the old-vine Mourvèdre and Cinsault. Carignane reinforces the bright red-fruit profile, while Vermentino adds a subtle herbal, citrusy and saline edge. The palate is fresh and taut, balancing juicy fruit with mineral and gently savory notes, fine grip and focused acidity. Perfumed and nuanced rather than weighty, it carries its fruit and mineral character through a long, sustained finish.

Awards & Accolades:

• 92 Points & Best Buy: Wine Enthusiast, Matt Kettmann, February 2026

Winemaker's Background:

Alex Krause and John Locke founded Birichino in Santa Cruz in 2008 after extensive winemaking experience in California, France, Italy, and beyond. Their approach centers on distinctive old vineyards, including own-rooted 19th- and early-20th-century plantings, combined with native fermentation and restrained cellar work. Both remain the winery's co-founders and winemakers.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve at approximately 8-10°C. Its bright red fruit, floral perfume, saline freshness and savory structure make it an excellent partner for grilled seafood, salmon, Provençal vegetables, charcuterie, Mediterranean dishes and herb-driven salads. It also has enough structure for roast chicken, grilled pork and other lighter meats.