North America | California | Birichino | Malvasia Bianca

Malvasia Bianca

VARIETALS
Malvasia

NOTES

VINEYARD: Birichino's selection of Malvasia Bianca -an outrageously aromatic Italian variety - was brought over from Calabria in the 1900s, and is now planted in the Oasis Vineyard of southern Monterey County on shale, decomposed granite, and clay. This variety thrives in climates that resemble its ancestral homeland, and the warm, sunny days and cold, fresh nights blanketed in fog from Monterey Bay allow it to preserve freshness and detail. Lower temperatures in the fall slowed ripening a wee bit - a blessing with aromatic varieties.

VINIFICATION: Grapes were picked at night (as is Birichino's habit with this varietal). Malvasia is very explicit as to its signaling maturity. These grapes let you know when they are ready: the moment the flavor spectrum includes flowers, sweet citrus, and still a touch of mint. Birichino continue their practice of extended skin contact, dual stream pressing, and extremely cold fermentation. Some skin contact is allowed overnight, followed by press at lunchtime the next day, then fermented very cool and slow in stainless until it’s dry.