BICHI
Tecate
Baja California
Located on the stony mountains of Mexico’s Baja California, Noel Tellez has put together a really exciting and certainly one of the most forward-thinking projects in the Mexican and South American wine world.
Founded in 2014, Bichi, which literally translates as ‘naked’, today extends for approximately 10 hectares of owned, biodynamically-farmed vineyards, most of which are own rooted and date pre-phylloxera. At the same time, he collaborates with a growing community of like-minded farmers who work in and around Valle de Guadalupe.
Whilst the neighbouring producers have adopted a more technological and modern approach, Noel remains very much committed to produce "vinos sin maquillaje" (wines without make up) as he states, adhering to centuries-old vinification techniques and embracing the great varietal diversity the regions has to offer.
In the cellar, grapes are hand de-stemmed and gently trodden by foot. Fermentations start spontaneously and are generally carried out in a combination of locally-made concrete amphorae and vats of different sizes. Ageing can take place in all sorts of vessels, from neutral stainless steel vats to old barrels and the iconic tinajas.
La Gorda Yori
Vintage 2021
Style Orange
Region Tecate and Vale de Guadalupe
Varieties Palomino, Sauvignon Blanc
ABV
Soils Clay, Sand, Loam
Farming Biodynamic
Winemaking The Palomino comes from an 80 year old vineyard in the Valle de Guadalupe whilst the Sauvignon Blanc rather young vines (approximately 7 years old) from Tecate, but planted at a much higher altitude. Both are hand-harvested and fermented separately on skins for 40 days in concrete tinajas. After fermentation they are blended and transferred to stainless steel tank for ageing. Bottled SO2-free.
Tasting Note An exciting blend translating to complex tropical tones and notes of peach, blossom and white tea.
Rosa
Vintage 2021
Style Rosé
Region Olegario Sandoval & Valle de Guadalupe
Varieties Garnacha Tinta
ABV
Soils Sand
Farming Biodynamic
Winemaking Grapes are hand harvested, de-stemmed and direct pressed before being spontaneously fermented in stainless steel. The wine was then aged in the same tanks and bottled without fining, filtering, or sulfur additions.
Tasting Note A beautiful combination between soft candied notes and a wilder side of smoked and scrubbed herbs. Think soft notes of raspberry, quince and guava with sweet spiced tones of nutmeg, earthy dried herbs and popcorn. Such character!
Listan
Vintage 2020
Style Red
Region Valle de la Grulla
Varieties Listan Prieto, Misión
ABV 13%
Soils Sand
Farming Biodynamic
Winemaking From 25 year old vines planted at relatively low elevation on the sandy soils of Tecate. The grapes are fully de-stemmed and let to ferment spontaneously on their skins in concrete vessels. Maceration lasted approximately 25 days before pressing into stainless steel to rest over the winter.
Tasting Note Ripe strawberry, earthy red cherry, dusty bergamot and hints of rose. The palate is wild with dried smoky rosemary. This is elegant and soft with a delicate spicy grip on the finish.
Nicky Snicky
Vintage 2021
Style Red
Region San Lorenzo, Tecate
Varieties Rosa del Perú
ABV 12.5%
Soils Sand, Loam
Farming Biodynamic
Winemaking This comes from one of the oldest vineyards farmed by the estate. These are planted at 750m above sea level. According to Noel’s estimations vines here are 105 years old, producing painfully low yields. Grapes are de-stemmed and fermented in concrete for 20 days. Despite 2021 being a much better vintage than the previous few, Rosa del Peru remain a rather complicated and trouble varietal which caused some issues due to stuck fermentations. A small dash of Nebbiolo must was added in order complete the alcoholic fermentation, which stopped with a tiny amount of residual sugar left to be converted. The wine was then moved to stainless steel to age.
Tasting Note Juicy red plums and blackcurrant, sweet spices, hints of pear jam, liqueur soaked cherries, warm lavender and pink peppercorns.
La Flama Roja
Vintage 2020
Style Red
Region Bichi, Tecate
Varieties Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Tempranillo, Malbec, Nebbiolo, Petit Verdot
ABV 13%
Soils Clay, Sand
Farming Biodynamic
Winemaking Vines are grown at 800m of altitude above sea level and have an average age of 17 years old. Grapes are hand harvested, de-stemmed and fermented in concrete tinajas with no temperature control. The wine is macerated on the skins for 30 to 35 days. This is followed by pressing with hydraulic press. The wine is then aged in old French oak barrels that have seen 11 years of use. No sulfur was added at any point.
Tasting Note Warm red plum, dried redcurrant and goji berries, something earthy like black tea and dried herbs balanced by candied hints of red cherry and blossom. A bit deeper and textured on the palate.
El Pancho
Vintage 2021
Style Red
Region Cerro del Cuchumá, Tecate
Varieties Cariñena, Misión
ABV 12.5%
Soils Clay, Loam
Farming Biodynamic
Winemaking A 90/10 split of Carignan and Misión from an 85 year old vineyard planted on clay. Grapes are de-stemmed and fermented in concrete amphorae over 30 days. Once pressed they feed in to stainless steel tanks where the wine is kept to age for 6 months. Bottled sans souffre.
Tasting Note Earthy blueberries, dried chilli flakes, hint of geranium and fresh red plums. Amazingly long and layered wine, elegant and fine grained. The finish is soft and elegant yet savoury and spiced.
Gordo Guapo
Vintage 2021
Style Red
Region Valle de Guadalupe
Varieties Garnacha
ABV 12.5%
Soils Clay
Farming Biodynamic
Winemaking De-stemmed grapes are moved to stainless steel without crushing to undergo a 25-day carbonic maceration. Pressed using a small basket press to feed in to stainless steel tank, where the wine is kept until bottling. No filtering, fining, nor any added SO2.
Tasting Note Ripe dusty raspberries, strawberry skin, candied cherry, fresh rose. This is elegant, fun and juicy. A bit of bite on the finish with notes of crunchy red fruit, orange zest and a hint of spicy chilli.
Azul el Heroe
Vintage 2021
Style Red
Region Valle de Guadalupe
Varieties Garnacha, Cariñena
ABV
Soils Sand, Loam
Farming Biodynamic
Winemaking Grapes comes from an old vineyard planted at 300m above sea level. The Garnacha is processed whole bunch and undergoes carbonic maceration of in stainless steel tanks.The Carignan on the other hand is de-stemmed and macerated for 25 days on the skins, followed by pressing and fermentation in concrete tinajas. Once fermentations are completed, the two wines are blended and aged in tank prior bottling.
Tasting Note Soft black plum and spiced red cherry in a deeper velvetier feel. The palate leads to intense floral tones, reminiscent of violets lifted by pink peppercorns and gentle aniseed.