Wine is farming first and foremost and I’ve spent years tasting all over the globe. I have studied in the vineyards, fingers in the soil, learning everything I can about sustainable, organic and biodynamic farming and winemaking techniques. I am here to encourage people to drink more Earth friendly wine without skimping on quality.
One of my favorite Sustainable Producers of phenomenal, terroir drive, balanced, complex and affordable is …..drum roll please…..BIRICHINO nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains of Northern California. You will pop a bottle of any of their classic and unique varietals and be met with the bright ripe fruit of the New World, layered by the soil and complexity character of an ageable old world masterpiece.
Alex Krause and John Locke founded Birichino in Santa Cruz in 2008. Drawing on a combined four decades making wine in California, France, Italy, and beyond, they are focused on attaining the perfect balance of perfume, poise, and puckishness. Sourcing from a number of carefully farmed, family-owned, own-rooted 19th and early 20th century vineyards (and a few from the late disco era) planted by and large in more moderate, marine-influenced climates, their preoccupation is to safeguard the quality and vibrance of their raw materials.
Check out their vineyard focused wines, my favorites being their delightfully bright, floral, MALVASIA which is so diversely food friendly it begs for all kinds of world cuisine. The Pinot Noir from Besson Vineyard pops with bright red, cherry fruit, layered with depth of forest floor, slight hints of wood and a lingering finish. BIRICHINO PINOT NOIR is brilliant, drinking on its own or pairs with the umami of mushrooms or roasted chicken.
Bottom line, wine that is farmed and produced WITH the natural cycles of nature are better for our bodies, more delicious as we slow down to savor their magnificence and ultimately serve our PLANET for more to enJOY in the next generations to come.
Here is my most helpful hint when sourcing Sustainable Wines, go for small production ….even the organic brands when mass produced have to adhere to rules in the vineyards but cut corners in the winemaking process.
Cheers to every sip that feeds your health & happiness — and this month’s Wine of the Month: 2022 Malvasia Bianca by Birichino!
Marisa Hallsted, MSW-1, Sommelier and Founder of The Mindfulvine, Journey of the Senses Guided Tasting Experience that awakens the pleasure of being present with every sip.
As a foodie, wine expert AND yogi / mindfulness junkie I am passionate about pleasure and wish to squeeze every drop of JOY possible out of the fruit of life! I created A Journey of Your Senses Dining Experience after 20 years in the wine & hospitality business as a powerful way to connect people to living mindfully by becoming present with the pleasure of wine, food and each other.
My hope is that we find mindfulness in becoming one with our senses. We find connection in a creation of wine from the land. We find intention in slowing down and embracing the moment. We find balance between indulgence and enjoyment. We find inspiration by expanding our knowledge, and we find love in gathering company to share in the joy of community!
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