Why it matters
The producer
Alex Krause and John Locke founded Birichino in Santa Cruz in 2008. Between them, they brought four decades of winemaking experience across California, France, Italy and other places.
The two work without an estate property and share a winery. They source carefully farmed, family-owned, own-rooted vineyards planted in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Cinsault and Malvasia Bianca are among the varieties they use; together, the two comprise 7% of California's total vineyard acreage.
Wines to know
The range in view
Birichino Vin Gris 2022 is a rosé. Birichino Scylla 2024 and Birichino Saint Georges Pinot Noir 2024 are reds. Birichino Pétillant Malvasia Bianca 2022 and Malvasia Bianca Birichino 2021 are whites.
The range also names a 2022 Pétulant Naturel Skin-Fermented Malvasia Bianca. No composition, élevage or sensory detail is established for these bottles.