Region: Santa Barbara County, California, USA (Los Olivos District)
Grapes: Grenache, Syrah, Marsanne, Viognier
Body: Light to Medium
Notes: Juicy red plums, wild raspberries, subtle white pepper, touch of orange blossom, silky and soft "velvety" finish
Pairing: Pork belly buns, grilled duck breast, mushroom flatbread, charcuterie with soft cheeses, backyard smashburgers
With "Red Velvet," DISKO founder Sean Hogan crafted a serious nod to the iconic light reds of the Southern Rhône, but processed through a playful, high-energy California lens. Rather than making a heavy, extracted red wine, Hogan flips the playbook by taking a page out of the Beaujolais textbook. The fruit—sourced from the organically farmed Old Oake Meadow Vineyard in Los Olivos—undergoes 100% whole-cluster carbonic maceration. What makes this cuvée uniquely complex is the co-fermentation: the red Grenache and Syrah are fermented right alongside the white Marsanne and Viognier grapes. The addition of the white skins and juice acts like an aromatic booster rocket, lifting the dark, peppery nature of the Syrah into a high-toned, floral space with bright, silky textures. True to the estate's hands-off philosophy, the wine is bottled with just a tiny sulfur addition at the finish line. It is a texturally smooth, endlessly vibrant "glou-glou" blend that absolutely sings with a light chill.
Region: Santa Barbara County, California, USA (Los Olivos District)
Grapes: Grenache, Syrah, Marsanne, Viognier
Body: Light to Medium
Notes: Juicy red plums, wild raspberries, subtle white pepper, touch of orange blossom, silky and soft "velvety" finish
Pairing: Pork belly buns, grilled duck breast, mushroom flatbread, charcuterie with soft cheeses, backyard smashburgers
With "Red Velvet," DISKO founder Sean Hogan crafted a serious nod to the iconic light reds of the Southern Rhône, but processed through a playful, high-energy California lens. Rather than making a heavy, extracted red wine, Hogan flips the playbook by taking a page out of the Beaujolais textbook. The fruit—sourced from the organically farmed Old Oake Meadow Vineyard in Los Olivos—undergoes 100% whole-cluster carbonic maceration. What makes this cuvée uniquely complex is the co-fermentation: the red Grenache and Syrah are fermented right alongside the white Marsanne and Viognier grapes. The addition of the white skins and juice acts like an aromatic booster rocket, lifting the dark, peppery nature of the Syrah into a high-toned, floral space with bright, silky textures. True to the estate's hands-off philosophy, the wine is bottled with just a tiny sulfur addition at the finish line. It is a texturally smooth, endlessly vibrant "glou-glou" blend that absolutely sings with a light chill.
What is natural wine?
Natural wine is wine made with minimal intervention from the winemaker, using organically or biodynamically grown grapes and without the addition of chemicals or additives such as sulfites. The result is a wine that is unique, expressive, and often has a more complex and nuanced flavor profile than conventional wines. Natural wine is also often associated with sustainable and ethical farming practices, making it a popular choice for those interested in environmentally friendly and socially responsible products.