Breaking Bread "Al Dente" Mourvèdre 2023

Energetic and very punchy, the nose of this Mourvèdre gives aromas of sour cherry, raspberry and crushed herb mélange, while the palate brings flavors of macerated cherry, rosemary and pepper in a framework of crunchy tannin that gives way to berry-lime acid on the finish. With a little chill, this low-alcohol liter will be a brilliant picnic red.

This is the second label for owner and winemaker, Erik Miller. A native to Indiana, Erik moved out to California and is kind of a garage-built vintner. He started working in wineries after his move, and by 2004, opened Kokomo winery with partner Randy Peters.

Breaking Bread is Erik's project that focuses on dry-farmed old-vine Zinfandel and other rarities found in pockets throughout California. These small parcels are wholly unique to California and have the potential to show a sense of place that other varietals are not able to embody. This bottling is vinified with no additions of yeast, no sulfur and is began in neutral oak barrels. Whole-cluster carbonic maceration and aged in neutral French oak for three months. It's meant to be enjoyed with food, but it's just as good on it's own.