Bichi "Pepe Nat" Rosé Pét-Nat 2023

Bichi "Pepe Nat" Pét-Nat 2023 is a Mexican natural sparkling rosé. Fresh and brimming with energy, it shows a lot of bright red fruit with grip and chewy tannins, and some striking tartness on the finish. Black cherry, horehound and sandalwood notes give this a kind of Emilia-Romagna vibe. This one is named for the winemaker's three-legged dog, Pepito. Be forewarned, this is a genuine pét-nat that is not disgorged: take care to open it in a space where some gushing can safely happen. The wine inside is well-worth the unpredictable exuberance. 

"Pepe Nat" is 100% Dolcetto (the same fruit used to make "No Sapiens") from the 69-year-old dry-farmed and own-rooted San Antonio de las Minas vineyard in Ensenada, situated 300 meters above sea level and rooted in sandy soils. The grapes were hand-harvested and fermented in whole clusters with wild yeasts. The wine is pressed after 25 days and and bottled early to finish fermentation under crown cap, following the ancestral method to make a petillant naturel wine. No filtration or added sulfur dioxide is employed, 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.