2018 Purity Carbonic Tempranillo, Lodi

Region: Lodi < California

Grapes: Tempranillo

Vineyard/Cellar Stats: Organic farming (uncertified); compacted clay soil; carbonic maceration in flex tank for 10 days, then foot trod and soaked before aging in neutral barrel; bottled unfined/unfiltered with zero added SO2; 12% ABV; 200 cases

Winemaker: Noel Diaz

You know we're fans of Purity, the project of our buddy Noel Diaz, who is one of the most hands-off, full-transparency and gifted winemakers we know. Not to mention a lovely human.  He shares the full story of how each wine is made on the back label, proclaiming his credo on Purity’s website front page: “Organic fruit, natural wine.”

This is his carbo Tempranillo, which he describes as,  "Fun and fresh, with loads of spritziness.  If you pour into a glass and swirl a bit, it’ll open up revealing raspberries and earth, maybe a little citrus."  He lets it ferment carbonically for 10 days before foot stomping, giving the fruit a lift and slight effervescence. We also get a smoky chile note on the wine, like a cherry-chipotle infusion.  Super interesting and delicious, especially chilled, with Mexican food.  Tested with tacos.  Yum!  Noel does it again!