2021 “Sunshower” Carbonic Red Wine - Belong Wine Co.

A whimsically lean and lively core of wild raspberry, tart cherry, strawberry preserves, bubblegum, and fuzzy peach abounds with fresh and crunchy delight as complex notes of fennel, anise, tree bark, and forest floor impart intriguing herbal and organic underpinnings. Wafts of wildflowers and bougainvillea subtly contribute gentle floral and natural character while hints of black pepper and cinnamon provide delicate bursts of spice. Understated impressions of granite and crushed rocks round out the display with mild earthiness and minerality that does not detract from the bright and spirited fruit. Effortlessly balanced and approachable yet still expressive and animated on the palate while possessing nice depth, savory complexity, and just a pinch of pleasant funk; exhibiting a unique yet easy-drinking presentation that comes across as beautifully unmanipulated and authentic. Medium-minus bodied with soft tannin backed by elevated acidity. This 2021 "Sunshower" Carbonic Red Wine by Belong Wine Co. is a spunky and irresistable red from El Dorado County. 

Located within the larger Sierra Foothills appellation at the base of the mighty Sierra Nevada Mountains, El Dorado County is an under-the-radar yet exciting warm-climate winegrowing region that, thanks to its mountainous terrain and associated varying elevations, is able to produce a wide range of interesting wine styles. This bottling, crafted by Belong Wine Co. using a blend of 68% Mourvedre/26% Syrah/3% Grenache/3% Cinsault grown within El Dorado County and fermented carbonically, proves that this unique region can produce delicious light and juicy reds just as successfully as rich and powerful ones. This playfully spills plenty of bright and youthful berry and stone fruits enhanced by herbal whole-cluster notes, mild florals, peppery carbonic spice, and subtle earthiness. It is a wonderfully fun and food friendly creation that benefits from being served slightly chilled, and is likely best enjoyed within the next year or two while it is at its freshest. Yum.