Bichi "El Prince" Tinto 2023

Bichi's "El Prince" is a light ruby hue with aromas of red berries, herbs,and a hint of spice. On the palate, it is lively and fresh, offering vibrant raspberry, currant, and strawberry notes with delicate tannins and refreshing, bright acidity, leading to a clean, mineral-driven finish.

"El Prince" is crafted from a blend of 50% Dolcetto, 40% Lambrusco and 10% Tokai from the San Antonio de las Minas vineyard in Ensenada, Baja California. After hand-harvesting, a portion of the fruit gets direct pressed, while the rest gets added whole cluster to the fermenting juice to infuse. After five days, the wine is pressed into tank. Post-fermentation, the wine is aged for three months in a combination of stainless steel vats and older oak barrels. 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.