Iruai Gamay 2022
Imagine wandering through a sun-dappled forest in Northern California, where the crisp mountain air carries hints of wild berries and earth. This Iruai Gamay 2022 captures that essence, offering a vibrant, unconventional take on the classic French varietal. With each sip, you're transported to the high-elevation vineyards of Siskiyou County, where volcanic soils and cool climate imbue the wine with a unique character that's both refreshing and intriguing. It’s a wine that invites relaxation and appreciation of the simple pleasures in life, whether enjoyed on a sunny picnic or a cozy evening.
Score: 87
Summary
Flavors: Tart strawberry, pomegranate, green herbs, and a touch of barnyard funk.
Pair With: Ideal with charcuterie boards, grilled vegetables, roasted chicken, or a chilled glass on its own. The wine's acidity and light body complement the richness and variety of these dishes.
Drink Window: Best consumed 2023-2026. This allows the wine to be enjoyed at its freshest and most vibrant.
Tasting Notes
Appearance:
Color: Light ruby with a slight purple hue.
Clarity: Slightly hazy, typical for unfiltered natural wines.
Aroma:
Nose: Bright red fruits like cranberry and cherry, and a hint of earthy barnyard funk.
Palate:
Flavor Profile: Initial impression of tart strawberry and pomegranate, mid-palate reveals a touch of pepper and herbal notes, and finishes with lingering red fruit and earthy undertones.
Body: Light to medium.
Acidity: High, providing a refreshing quality.
Tannins: Soft and smooth, making it very approachable.
Finish: Clean and crisp with lingering red fruit notes.
Value for Money: Excellent value for a natural wine with unique flavor profiles and minimal intervention.
Similar Wines: Beaujolais Nouveau, Oregon Pinot Noir, Jura Poulsard.
Serving Temperature: 55-60°F (13-16°C).
Decanting: No need for extended decanting. A quick aeration of 10-15 minutes should open up the aromas and flavors nicely.
Fun Fact: Iruai Winery donates a portion of its proceeds to support local indigenous communities, particularly the Shasta Indian Nation.
Technical Details
Winery: Iruai Wines (www.iruaiwine.com), founded by Chad and Michelle Westbrook Hinds in 2013.
Vintage: 2022. Characterized by a cool growing season allowing for slow, even ripening and balanced acidity.
Varietal(s): 100% Gamay
Region: Siskiyou County, California
ABV (Alcohol By Volume): 12.5%
Price Range: $30-$35
QPR Score (A+ ~ F): A
Winery Location Details: Vineyards located in Scott Valley, Siskiyou County, at elevations over 3000 feet. The area features a continental climate with volcanic soils, similar to France's Auvergne region. The landscape is a unique blend of high mountain prairie and dense alpine forests, creating a distinct terroir unlike anywhere else in California.
Production: Organic and biodynamic farming practices. Hand-harvested and minimal intervention winemaking with native yeast fermentation and no additives. Bottled unfiltered and unfined to preserve natural flavors.
Other Ratings: Highly praised in the natural wine community for its unique profile.
Deep Dive
Founders: Chad and Michelle Hinds, known for their commitment to natural wine and minimal intervention techniques.
Natural Winemaking: Emphasis on organic farming, native yeast fermentation, and avoiding filtration and fining. Iruai focuses on esoteric grape varieties that flourish in Alpine regions of Europe. The winery practices "chaos organics," a method inspired by Masanobu Fukuoka's natural farming philosophy.
Unique Terroir: The Shasta-Cascade region offers a distinctive environment with its high elevation and diverse soil types, contributing to the unique characteristics of the wine.
Sustainability: The winery practices sustainable agriculture, contributing to the health of the vineyard ecosystem and reducing environmental impact.
The name "Iruai" comes from an imaginary territory spanning Northern California and Southern Oregon.
Gamay is a rare variety in California, with less than 300 acres planted statewide.
Iruai's labels often feature artistic, abstract designs that reflect the unconventional nature of their wines.