Iruai | Red Wine Bloom Phase '23

Iruai Winery (“ear-oo-eye"… the artist formerly known as Methode Sauvage) was started in 2013 by Chad and Michelle Westbrook Hinds in Berkeley, CA as a nomadic natural wine project, before laying down roots in Michelle’s beautiful hometown of Etna, CA in the mythical Shasta-Cascade mountains of Siskiyou County in 2019.  Guided by the permaculture master Masanobu Fukuoka and his “one straw revolution” they surf the chaos of their land.  With their vineyard being in high elevations and a continental climate, they have turned Iruai into an exploration and celebration of esoteric varieties that flourish in the Alps of Europe.

Producer: Iruai

Grapes: 50% Grenache / 30% Gamay / 20% Pinot Gris (skin contact)

Origin: Grapes- Applegate Valley, OR; Winery - Etna, CA

Alcohol: 12.5%

Vintage: 2023

Farming/winemaking: Organic, permaculture. Whole cluster fermented Grenache and Gamay and skin contact Pinot Gris

Tasting notes: Great chillable red.  Fresh and zesty light fruit with tannin structure and a dry clean finish.  Try it with a bitter frisee and radicchio salad topped with fresh mozzarella or just with some good company and salty, crunchy snacks.