# Car Car Glou Glou Akashita (2023)

- **Producer:** Birichino
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Carignan
- **Region:** California, United States
- **Style:** Natural
- **Alcohol:** 12.5%
- **Average price:** €30
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 14–16 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** red cherry, dried herbs, raspberry, black cherry, black plum, biscuit, mushroom, earth

## About this wine

The Birichino Car Car Glou Glou Akashita is a red wine from California, primarily made from Carignan grapes. It hails from the Mokelumne River AVA in Lodi, a region recognized for its old vine plantings. The producer, Birichino, was founded by Alex Krause and John Locke with a philosophy of minimal intervention winemaking and a focus on revitalizing historic vineyards. The wine's name suggests a light, approachable style, and it is often produced using carbonic maceration, a technique that emphasizes fruit expression. The grapes are sourced from old vines, some dating back to the early 20th century, grown in sandy loam soils.

## Interesting facts

- The name 'Car Car Glou Glou Akashita' is a playful nod to French 'glou glou' wines.
- Grapes are sourced from vines planted around 1920.
- The wine is often made using carbonic maceration.
- Birichino means 'mischievous' or 'playful' in Italian.

## Food pairing

The wine's medium-light body and bright fruit profile make it versatile. Its acidity can cut through richer proteins like duck and pork, while its moderate tannins complement the savory notes of meat. It also pairs well with earthy flavors found in vegetarian dishes and the saltiness of charcuterie.

## Wine making process

The Birichino Car Car Glou Glou Akashita is produced using minimal intervention winemaking techniques. A key method employed is carbonic maceration, which involves fermenting whole grape clusters. This process is often carried out with native yeasts. Following fermentation, the wine is typically aged in neutral barrels to avoid imparting significant oak flavors. The producer emphasizes sustainable farming practices in the vineyards from which they source their grapes, many of which are old vines.