Bichi "Azul El Héroe" Tinto 2023

"Azul el Heroe" might be the most approachable of Bichi's natural wines. Having an intense cherry red color, the nose is fresh red fruits and spice. Lifted and refreshing on the palete, with medium persistence, balanced, not funky. Tart and crunchy red cherries seem to burst from the glass.

The blend is 50% Garnacha, 35% Carignan and 15% Zinfandel from the 40-year-old vines in Ernesto Collin’s vineyard, situated 300 meters above sea level and dry-farmed in sandy soil. After hand-harvesting the grapes, the Garnacha was fermented whole cluster and the Zinfandel & Carignan get destemmed and fermented, all with wild yeasts. The wine then gets pressed, blended and aged in stainless steel. Bottled unfined, unfiltered, with no added sulfur dioxide, adhering to Bichi's minimal-intervention philosophy.

Bichi, established in 2014 by brothers Noel and Jair Téllez, is a pioneering natural wine producer in Tecate, Baja California, Mexico. The name "Bichi," meaning "naked" in the Sonoran Yaqui dialect, reflects their commitment to minimal-intervention winemaking.

The Téllez family focuses on reviving old, dry-farmed vineyards, some over a century old, cultivating indigenous and lesser-known grape varieties. Bichi's approach emphasizes organic and biodynamic farming practices, spontaneous fermentation with native yeasts and aging in neutral vessels, avoiding filtration and fining to preserve the wine's authentic expression.

Bichi's distinctive labels, featuring whimsical illustrations of luchadores (Mexican wrestlers), capture the brand's playful spirit and cultural roots. Bichi's wines have garnered international acclaim for their vibrant character and unique representation of Mexican terroir, positioning them as a leading force in the country's natural wine movement.