Scar of The Sea 'Topotero Vineyard' Gamay, San Luis Obispo County

Beneath the salt-kissed breezes of Avila Beach, the 2024 Scar of the Sea Topotero Vineyard Gamay rises from a tiny 5-acre site where gardens, palm trees, apple orchards, and a seasonal creek encircle the vines. Once planted to Pinot Noir and regrafted in 2019, this biodynamic-certified vineyard is now revealing Gamay’s coastal voice with freshness and vibrancy, captured in this limited bottling.

Product Details:

• Varietal: Gamay
• Vineyard: Topotero Vineyard, Avila Beach, SLO Coast AVA
• Farming: Certified Demeter biodynamic (July 2024)
• Fermentation: Native yeast, 50% whole cluster, 10-day maceration
• Pressing: Wooden basket press
• Alcohol Content:
  
• Aging: 10 months in neutral French oak barrels
• Bottling: Unfined, unfiltered, minimal sulfur
• Cases Produced: 214

Sensory Description:

The wine opens with lifted aromas of crushed red berries, rose petals, and wild herbs, underscored by a faint coastal salinity. On the palate, juicy cherry and cranberry mingle with subtle earth and spice, balanced by a fine tannic grip from the whole clusters. A bright acidity carries the wine through a clean, mineral-laced finish, making this Gamay both playful and refined.

Winemaker's Background:

Scar of the Sea, founded by winemakers Mikey and Gina Giugni, is dedicated to crafting wines that honor California’s Central Coast and the natural beauty that defines it. Their philosophy centers on minimal-intervention winemaking, native fermentations, and farming that fosters balance between land and vine. With vineyards like Topotero and their home ranch at Bassi Vineyard, they continue to cultivate a biodynamic vision of wines that carry the imprint of place and the rhythm of the seasons.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve slightly chilled, around 55–58°F, to highlight the Gamay’s brightness and delicate aromatics. Ideal pairings include roast chicken with herbs, charcuterie and soft cheeses, or mushroom risotto. Its lively acidity and moderate structure also make it an excellent companion to coastal fare, such as seared tuna or grilled vegetables.

The 2024 Scar of the Sea Topotero Vineyard Gamay captures the joyful essence of Gamay in a seaside setting, offering a limited-edition expression of one of the SLO Coast’s most unique vineyards. A wine that bridges elegance and vibrancy, it’s as much a story of place as it is of craft.