Vinito
by Richard Yi
Simultaneously paying respects to tradition and sparking innovation, Vinito is the green wine of California. This wine evokes intense focus with its laser-like acidity. Vinito is the bringer of balance and the much-appreciated palate cleanser for any great dinner party.
Specs
Varieties: Chardonnay (59%), Albariño (21%), Vermentino (14%) and Verdelho (6%)
Source: Edna Valley Chardonnay, Wildhorse (Templeton Gap) Verdelho, Creston Ridge (Paso Robles) Vermentino, Edna Lemons (Edna Valley) Albariño
ABV: 12%
Acidity: 7.9 g/L TA
Bottles Produced: 3,000
Winemaking: The real difference about this wine is that the grapes were all handpicked early in the season, to ensure a great acid backbone in the wine. Some of the lots did get some skin contact and lees stirring to boost mouthfeel, but besides that most of the work was done in the field. The wines did not go through malolactic fermentation either.
Richard Yi
In Richard's words
“I am from New York, and I am a tennis nerd that is obsessed with different cuisines and fermentation. I spend most of my free time trialing different recipes and crafting different home brew projects with friends."
"My father is my biggest influence because he was the first person to show me how incredibly profound wines can be. Working with him at his wine and liquor store in Manhattan gave me opportunities to try thousands of wines from all over the world. Although he was always so hard at work, I could tell that he always had a passion for food and wine that made me realize how incredible this industry could be.
In many ways my love for food was really what kickstarted my journey in wine. When I say I love food, I really mean I love food. I love learning about weird stories about different dishes and learning how and why that dish came to be. For me the history and process are almost more rewarding than just the simple enjoyment of the product.”
Sebastian Curi on Richard Yi
"After meeting Richard I was struck by his love for food and just overall passion for life. I would say now that I'm doubting, after speaking to him, it seems these two things are the same. Like someone that goes around life, eating experiences and drinking good wine is filling life with intention and purpose. Richard seems like a fun guy and I drew him off balance, pondering grapes, about to fall while drinking wine.”
Label Art
Sebastian Curi on Richard Yi
"After meeting Richard I was struck by his love for food and just overall passion for life. I would say now that I'm doubting, after speaking to him, it seems these two things are the same. Like someone that goes around life, eating experiences and drinking good wine is filling life with intention and purpose. Richard seems like a fun guy and I drew him off balance, pondering grapes, about to fall while drinking wine.”