Lioco 'Indica' Red Table Wine, Mendocino County, California

California's old-vine heritage finds a vibrant new expression in the 2023 LIOCO Indica Red Table Wine. Drawn from three historic Mendocino County ranches, this distinctive blend unites Carignan planted at Bartolomei in the 1940s and McCutchen in the 1960s with rare Valdiguié from 1940s vines at Lolonis. These dry-farmed, head-trained vineyards span valley-floor red clay and rocky mountain terrain, preserving a chapter of California viticulture increasingly difficult to find. Following the disruption of earlier vintages by wildfire, drought and frost, the exceptional fruit quality of 2023 allowed LIOCO to bring these heritage sources together in a fresh, expressive red that balances youthful energy with old-vine character.

Product Details:

• Alcohol: 12.5% ABV
• pH: 3.5
• Total Acidity: 5.7 g/L
• Grape Varieties: Carignan and Valdiguié
• Residual Sugar: 0.6 g/L
• Brix at Harvest: 21.4°
• Yield: 3 tons per acre
• Production: 1,404 cases
• Vineyards: Bartolomei, McCutchen and Lolonis
• Vine Material: Heritage mother-clone Carignan and Valdiguié
• Harvest Dates: October 13–25, 2023
• Harvesting: Hand-harvested
• Whole-Cluster Fermentation: 50% whole clusters
• Fermentation: A combination of open-top tanks with whole-cluster and destemmed fruit, and closed tanks for carbonic maceration
• Élevage: Individual lots aged separately for 10 months in neutral oak barrels and stainless steel
• Bottling: June 18, 2024
• Fining and Filtration: Unfined and unfiltered
• Farming: Heritage dry-farmed, head-trained vines
• Anticipated Maturity: 2025–2030
• Owners: Matt Licklider and Sara Licklider
• Winemaker: Drew Huffine

Sensory Description:

Fragrant violet, ripe blackberry, and fresh rosemary define an inviting aromatic profile, with floral lift and a subtle herbal edge. The palate moves through Italian plum and dried fig, accompanied by a distinctive iron-like mineral note that lends savory definition to the fruit. Medium in weight, the wine combines juicy freshness with a gentle but perceptible tannic grip, creating a lively, textured impression. Its bright acidity keeps the fruit focused, while the finish remains dry, refreshing, and delicately earthy.

Winemaker's Background:

Founded in 2005 by wine professionals Matt Licklider and Kevin O'Connor, LIOCO emerged from a shared ambition to explore a more restrained, site-driven expression of California wine. Today, the winery is owned and operated by Matt and Sara Licklider, who work closely with a network of independent growers rather than relying on estate vineyards. Their approach emphasizes distinctive vineyard sites, older vines, and farming practices that preserve the character of the land. Winemaker Drew Huffine leads cellar production, employing traditional techniques and measured intervention to maintain the individuality of each source. Indica reflects this philosophy through its commitment to historic Carignan and Valdiguié plantings, varieties that connect contemporary California winemaking with the state's agricultural past.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve lightly chilled at approximately 13–15°C (55–59°F) to accentuate the wine's floral aromatics, juicy fruit and refreshing structure. Its combination of bright acidity, savory character and moderate tannins makes it especially versatile at the table. Pair with stuffed Cubanelle peppers, mushroom pizza or shepherd's pie, where the wine's lively fruit complements roasted vegetables, earthy mushrooms and richly seasoned dishes. A generous red-wine glass will allow the aromatics to develop, while a brief spell in the refrigerator before serving brings its freshness into sharper focus.