Populis 2023 'Reversee' Red Blend, Mendocino County

Vineyard Nots: While searching for vineyards to farm themselves, Shaunt and Diego began to meet many amazing growers throughout California who's families had been farming their lands organically for multiple generations. Unable to lease and farm themselves, Shaunt and Diego founded Populis as the negociant project of Les Lunes Wine, with the aim of producing joyful, refreshing, and fun wines from historic vineyards in California.

All the vineyards are farmed organically throughout Northern California. Cinsault, Grenache, and Picpoul come from the Sierra Foothills. Old vine Chardonnay and Valdiguié come from Mendocino. French Colombard comes from Solano County.

Winemaking Notes: Cinsault is made using the ʻReverse saignéeʼ method. Grenache goes through Carbonic Maceration. Valdiguié is destemmed and pressed when dry (15 days). French Colombard and Picpoul are direct pressed. Zinfandel see 25% whole cluster maceration (21 days). All wines are racked off the gross lees in early winter and then blended in springtime for bottling in April. 25ppm S02 is added prior to bottling.

Tasting Notes: Slow fermentations in 2023 with their Zinfandel and Carignane forced Populis to pivot towards other varieties for the Reversée. Yet still similar in profile to previous vintages. Loads of bright, fresh, red fruit on the nose. High acid balanced by an incredible juiciness on the mouth and a refreshingly bright finish.

ʻThe genesis of the ʻreverse saignée came about hoping to make fresh and playful red wines from hot regions without a carbonic maceration.ʼ - Shaunt

ʻElectric Kool-Aid Acid Testʼ - Diego