Scylla 2021

Here is a magnificent vintage from the Birichino estate. Its name, Scylla , is taken from Greek mythology referring to a monster which is said to have lived in the Strait of Messina in Italy and which terrorized sailors. Sourced largely from hectares of hidden old vines , two old Carignan vineyards planted around 1920 form the backbone of this wine, complemented by traditional sources of centuries-old Grenache and Mourvèdre, bringing the average age of the vines at 99 years old. The unique environment in which the vines are planted has allowed resistance to phylloxera and their survival, therefore taking deep roots over time. Thanks to its valuable characteristics, the estate aims for minimal intervention in the cellar, favoring indigenous fermentations , aging in neutral oak and little filtration. The aromas of this wine are subtle and fine like its substance. Beautiful floral notes escape like peony , accompanied by raspberry , morello cherry , plum , blond tobacco, garrigue , with an animal and earthy touch. The finesse of the tannins is surprising, the texture is airy and the acidity brings a nice tension. A superb wine!

In the United States, 90% of the wine produced comes from California. It was the influx of gold prospectors to California that boosted the California wine industry in the mid-19th century, particularly in the Sonoma and Napa region. At the start of the 20th century, there were 800 wineries. From 1919 to 1933 Prohibition destroyed the vast majority of the California wine industry so that by 1933, only 140 wineries remained producing wine. It was only from 1960 that the wine industry began to recover from Prohibition and California was primarily known for the production of fortified wines (in the style of Port). It was also in the 1960s that some of the most famous estates were created (Mondavi, Heitz Wine Cellars, Stag's Leap Wine Cellars, etc...). In 1976, a significant event took place: the legendary tasting competition better known as the "Judgment of Paris". He sees the greatest French wines opposing the new American wines. This May 24, an unexpected result shakes the world of wine, since to everyone's surprise, it is the United States which wins. However, this competition remains relatively unknown to the general public. Today, there is no doubt that the United States produces great wines. Even though California largely monopolizes the reputation of American wines with its excellent Zinfandels, the state of Oregon produces some of the best Pinot Noir in the world and the state of Washington offers excellent Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet-Sauvignon.