2019 Vin de California Pinot Noir

Region: Avila Beach < Central Coast < California

Grape: Pinot Noir

Vineyard/cellar stats: Organic farming; fermented in an open top wood foudre (basically a gigantic barrel) with native yeast and no additions. 17 days later, it was pressed in a basket press, settled overnight in a stainless tank, and then racked back into the foudre. It went through natural malolactic fermentation before being bottled unfined and unfiltered with minimal added So2; 12.5% ABV

Winemaker: Adam Vourvoulis

Vin de California is the brainchild of Adam and Kate Vourvoulis, who started the VDC project in 2016 in Los Angeles.  If you follow any of the natty wine instagrammers, you probably know Adam (aka @natural_whine) - he posts the most hilarious memes poking fun at snobbish wine stereotypes.  He also makes cheeky T-shirts that put a wine spin on traditional logos and designs, and does the Natural Disasters podcast with wine writer Marissa Ross.  Basically, he's the poster child for natural wine -- so it makes sense that he evolved into wine making.

This light, juicy Pinot is Adam and Kate's first release, and we're digging it.  While it's not carbonic, it reminds us of The Marigny carbo Pinot, though slightly less flamboyant. This is pure, unadulterated cherry-berry juice with a dusting of wet earth, with no wood or excessive alcohol to mask the vibrant Pinot character.  Its not for the cellar, and it probably won't rock your world, but it will sure make 4pm on a Tuesday a much happier place.  We love it with a slight chill in place of rosé for warm afternoon sipping and snacking.  And then again, after dinner to keep the good vibes flowing...

SERVE SLIGHTLY CHILLED.