Florèz Wines ‘Lovebirds’ Red 2023
Location: United States, California
Winemaker: James Jelks
Grapes: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay
Soil: Decomposed granite and limestone (sourced from Enz Vineyard; James says, “If terroir exists in California, you will find it there. So many of California’s vineyards are planted on richer alluvial or clay soils. But if you want to talk about minerality and the stones that make up soil, you might want to pay attention to Enz. They have decomposed granite and limestone which is a rarity in California. Their other business is literally a stone quarry.” )
Winemaking: Whole clusters were put directly into the fermentation vat and foot-tread to release juice and submerge the fruit. Regular pumpovers, and pigeage (foot treading) helped to maintain a healthy native fermentation. After a 14-day fermentation the fruit was pressed at dryness, and left to rest on fine lees in barrel for approximately 10 months. Racked once in preparation for bottling. No additives were used at any point in the vinification process including no added sulfites.
From the Importer Jenny and Francois: James says, “‘Lovebirds’ was born as part of my continued exploration of Grenache. I believe the variety is aptly suited for California, and I love the terroir expressiveness ranging from vin de garde to vin de soif wines. Originally a co-ferment of Grenache Noir and Grenache Blanc to make a light red wine with some texture, but in 2021 our previously sourced Grenache Blanc was ripped out, so we had to shift to a new source, and overall a new wine. While Pinot and Sauvignon Blanc sound like an unlikely couple, historically they do exist together in parts of the Loire.”
Aromas of pomegranate, kiwi and sour cherry complement a palate characterized by supple tannins, good acidity and sour fruit punch. While more serious than a glou-glou wine, this wine is juicy and can be enjoyed chilled at the beach.
Florèz Wines was started by James Jelks in 2017. James grew up in the Santa Cruz area and was schooled in winemaking at nearby UC Davis. He worked in wineries all over the world for 10 years before returning home to make wine in the Santa Cruz area. He is farming some vineyards himself, always dry-farmed, and is also sourcing some fruit from organic and sustainable vineyards. He always works with native yeasts, does not use additives except for a minimal amount of sulfur at bottling, and does not filter the wines
Location: United States, California
Winemaker: James Jelks
Grapes: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay
Soil: Decomposed granite and limestone (sourced from Enz Vineyard; James says, “If terroir exists in California, you will find it there. So many of California’s vineyards are planted on richer alluvial or clay soils. But if you want to talk about minerality and the stones that make up soil, you might want to pay attention to Enz. They have decomposed granite and limestone which is a rarity in California. Their other business is literally a stone quarry.” )
Winemaking: Whole clusters were put directly into the fermentation vat and foot-tread to release juice and submerge the fruit. Regular pumpovers, and pigeage (foot treading) helped to maintain a healthy native fermentation. After a 14-day fermentation the fruit was pressed at dryness, and left to rest on fine lees in barrel for approximately 10 months. Racked once in preparation for bottling. No additives were used at any point in the vinification process including no added sulfites.
From the Importer Jenny and Francois: James says, “‘Lovebirds’ was born as part of my continued exploration of Grenache. I believe the variety is aptly suited for California, and I love the terroir expressiveness ranging from vin de garde to vin de soif wines. Originally a co-ferment of Grenache Noir and Grenache Blanc to make a light red wine with some texture, but in 2021 our previously sourced Grenache Blanc was ripped out, so we had to shift to a new source, and overall a new wine. While Pinot and Sauvignon Blanc sound like an unlikely couple, historically they do exist together in parts of the Loire.”
Aromas of pomegranate, kiwi and sour cherry complement a palate characterized by supple tannins, good acidity and sour fruit punch. While more serious than a glou-glou wine, this wine is juicy and can be enjoyed chilled at the beach.
Florèz Wines was started by James Jelks in 2017. James grew up in the Santa Cruz area and was schooled in winemaking at nearby UC Davis. He worked in wineries all over the world for 10 years before returning home to make wine in the Santa Cruz area. He is farming some vineyards himself, always dry-farmed, and is also sourcing some fruit from organic and sustainable vineyards. He always works with native yeasts, does not use additives except for a minimal amount of sulfur at bottling, and does not filter the wines
Location: United States, California
Winemaker: James Jelks
Grapes: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay
Soil: Decomposed granite and limestone (sourced from Enz Vineyard; James says, “If terroir exists in California, you will find it there. So many of California’s vineyards are planted on richer alluvial or clay soils. But if you want to talk about minerality and the stones that make up soil, you might want to pay attention to Enz. They have decomposed granite and limestone which is a rarity in California. Their other business is literally a stone quarry.” )
Winemaking: Whole clusters were put directly into the fermentation vat and foot-tread to release juice and submerge the fruit. Regular pumpovers, and pigeage (foot treading) helped to maintain a healthy native fermentation. After a 14-day fermentation the fruit was pressed at dryness, and left to rest on fine lees in barrel for approximately 10 months. Racked once in preparation for bottling. No additives were used at any point in the vinification process including no added sulfites.
From the Importer Jenny and Francois: James says, “‘Lovebirds’ was born as part of my continued exploration of Grenache. I believe the variety is aptly suited for California, and I love the terroir expressiveness ranging from vin de garde to vin de soif wines. Originally a co-ferment of Grenache Noir and Grenache Blanc to make a light red wine with some texture, but in 2021 our previously sourced Grenache Blanc was ripped out, so we had to shift to a new source, and overall a new wine. While Pinot and Sauvignon Blanc sound like an unlikely couple, historically they do exist together in parts of the Loire.”
Aromas of pomegranate, kiwi and sour cherry complement a palate characterized by supple tannins, good acidity and sour fruit punch. While more serious than a glou-glou wine, this wine is juicy and can be enjoyed chilled at the beach.
Florèz Wines was started by James Jelks in 2017. James grew up in the Santa Cruz area and was schooled in winemaking at nearby UC Davis. He worked in wineries all over the world for 10 years before returning home to make wine in the Santa Cruz area. He is farming some vineyards himself, always dry-farmed, and is also sourcing some fruit from organic and sustainable vineyards. He always works with native yeasts, does not use additives except for a minimal amount of sulfur at bottling, and does not filter the wines