Vin Gris Rosé, Birichino

62% Grenache/12% Mourvèdre/11% Cinsault/9% Carignane/6% Vermentino

The 2020 Vin Gris was the beneficiary of a decision to dedicate the entirety of the Bechthold Cinsault harvest to rosé, as well as a higher percentage of old vine fruit from Besson, and the 125 year-old vine Mourvèdre from a dry-farmed vineyard in Antioch. For the first time, as well, they dedicated nearly the entirety of the Montague Vineyard old vine Carignane to rosé, and that variety provides some added depth and structure to the vintage. Grenache yields in El Dorado County returned to closer to normal levels, while Besson produced only marginally more fruit than 2019, but perfectly suited to making a serious pink. In 2020, old vines from 1886, 1895, 1910, and the late 1920s comprise 42% of the blend. Aromas of stone fruits, hibiscus, and watermelon dominate the perfume, with the ever delightful Cinsault contributing the violet top note, and a small quantity of particularly fresh and vivid Vermentino from the Napa side of Carneros adding some zest. Entirely the product of a very gentle direct press in 2020, the Vin Gris is fermented to dryness in one long, sequential fermentation in stainless.