Two Shepherds "Wiley" Carbonic Carignan 2024

A crunchy, crushable, chillable red made from 100% Carignan. Fresh cranberry and strawberry pop immediately, finished by quenching notes of earthy, zippy rhubarb. The slightest amount of residual carbonation fizz and bright acidity make this dangerously poundable. Tons of dark fruit and earth without the tannic weight, a great go-to weeknight wine.

"Carbonic" has become a trendy term and is commonly (mis)used, confused with whole cluster fermentation or carbonation. In a true carbonic maceration, the initial fermentation is not caused by yeast, but instead occurs intracellularly, or from the inside out. Fermentation starts inside the grape and continues until the grape skin bursts, releasing the juice.

Carignan, although rare in California at only 1% of red wine acres, is a perfect grape for the Mediterranean climate. Two Shepards worked with Trimble Vineyards, second genearation organic farmers of this special vineyard with 80-year-old vines, head trained, dry-farmed and certified organic. Native yeast fermentation in 100% stainless steel, low sulfer added, unfined, unfiltered. Only 280 cases produced.

Two Shepherds focuses on Rhône and rare, uncommon varieties, often from the only few acres available in California. While their total production is small, the offerings are vast. Nicknamed “insane master of small lots,” winemaker William Allen crafts abotu 15 different wines each vintage, including some that are only 1-2 barrels. Their old-world style, free from manipulation, allows for the ture expression of the variety, vintage and vineyard.