Region: Mendocino County, California, USA
Grapes: Predominantly Carignan, blended with Valdiguié, Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvèdre (Old Vine Field Blend)
Body: Light to Medium
Notes: Wild blackberry, tart red plum, crushed pomegranate, dried hibiscus, black tea, and subtle gamey spice, with a snapping natural acidity and a clean, mineral-driven finish
Pairing: Continuous charcuterie boards, pork tenderloin, grilled burgers, mushroom pizza, or roasted duck
The Producer
Lioco is a critically acclaimed, family-owned winery founded in 2005 by husband-and-wife duo Matt and Sara Licklider. Spanning cool-climate coastal regions across Mendocino, Sonoma, and Santa Cruz, Lioco was built on the principle that California wine can be delicate, complex, and low-alcohol. Sourcing exclusively from heritage vineyards—many featuring dry-farmed, decades-old vines—the team prioritizes sustainable and organic farming. In the cellar, winemaking centers on minimal intervention: spontaneous native fermentations, neutral aging vessels, no heavy extraction or new oak, and minimal handling to produce transparent, food-friendly wines that clearly reflect their sites.
The Wine
"Indica Red" is Lioco’s homage to Mendocino County's historic, dry-farmed old-vine plantings. Centered on 70+ year-old Carignan vines interplanted with Valdiguié and Rhône varieties, the fruit is hand-harvested from high-elevation, gravelly sites. In the cellar, a portion of whole clusters undergoes spontaneous wild fermentation in stainless steel, extracting vibrant color and fresh, crunchy aromatics without heavy, drying tannins. The 2024 vintage yields maximum drinkability; it masterfully pairs an expressive nose of wild red berries, floral tea, and crushed granite with a bright, mouthwatering acidity and a crisp, savory finish that shines even brighter with a light chill.
Region: Mendocino County, California, USA
Grapes: Predominantly Carignan, blended with Valdiguié, Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvèdre (Old Vine Field Blend)
Body: Light to Medium
Notes: Wild blackberry, tart red plum, crushed pomegranate, dried hibiscus, black tea, and subtle gamey spice, with a snapping natural acidity and a clean, mineral-driven finish
Pairing: Continuous charcuterie boards, pork tenderloin, grilled burgers, mushroom pizza, or roasted duck
The Producer
Lioco is a critically acclaimed, family-owned winery founded in 2005 by husband-and-wife duo Matt and Sara Licklider. Spanning cool-climate coastal regions across Mendocino, Sonoma, and Santa Cruz, Lioco was built on the principle that California wine can be delicate, complex, and low-alcohol. Sourcing exclusively from heritage vineyards—many featuring dry-farmed, decades-old vines—the team prioritizes sustainable and organic farming. In the cellar, winemaking centers on minimal intervention: spontaneous native fermentations, neutral aging vessels, no heavy extraction or new oak, and minimal handling to produce transparent, food-friendly wines that clearly reflect their sites.
The Wine
"Indica Red" is Lioco’s homage to Mendocino County's historic, dry-farmed old-vine plantings. Centered on 70+ year-old Carignan vines interplanted with Valdiguié and Rhône varieties, the fruit is hand-harvested from high-elevation, gravelly sites. In the cellar, a portion of whole clusters undergoes spontaneous wild fermentation in stainless steel, extracting vibrant color and fresh, crunchy aromatics without heavy, drying tannins. The 2024 vintage yields maximum drinkability; it masterfully pairs an expressive nose of wild red berries, floral tea, and crushed granite with a bright, mouthwatering acidity and a crisp, savory finish that shines even brighter 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.