Bichi "Santa" - 2022

Every time I try to tell someone why I love this wine, it comes out wrong. On the palate, La Santa tastes like a combo of savory chewing gum, juicy jolly ranchers and dusty roses, which I apparently can't explain in words that sound more appetizing, but it's delightful in a way that's reminiscent of my favorite Pineau d'Aunis wines. Unfiltered and unfined, there is natural cloudiness, yet it is supple and smooth. It's simply one of those special wines where the usual terminology fails to do any justice - you gotta taste it to believe it. It has a smidge of volatility, a teeny tiny bit of trapped CO2, and no added sulfites. Personally, these are attributes I welcome with open arms, and if you're on the fence I encourage you to come over to the Bichi (aka "naked") side. Lovers of juicy Loire reds, this is calling out to you!