# Florez Wines Lovebirds (2025)

- **Producer:** Florèz Wines
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Pinot Noir, Chardonnay
- **Region:** California, United States
- **Style:** Natural
- **Alcohol:** 12.0%
- **Average price:** €34
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now
- **Serving temperature:** 10–13 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** cherry, raspberry, strawberry, rose, herbaceous

## About this wine

Florèz Wines was founded in 2017 in Santa Cruz, California, by winemaker James Jelks. The winery emphasizes organic viticulture, dry farming, and minimal intervention in the cellar. 'Lovebirds' is an ongoing exploration of co-fermenting red and white grape varieties. Sourced from the Gimelli Vineyard in the Cienega Valley AVA of San Benito County, the vines grow on decomposed granite and limestone soils. The distinctive label artwork features a Japanese-style woodcut design by Santa Cruz tattoo artist Drew Nelson.

## Interesting facts

- Employs a French flottaison technique where whole Pinot Noir clusters float inside direct-pressed Chardonnay juice.
- The label features custom Japanese-style woodcut artwork designed by Santa Cruz tattoo artist Drew Nelson.
- Sourced from organic vines growing on limestone and decomposed granite soils in Cienega Valley.

## Food pairing

This light-bodied, chillable co-ferment features bright acidity and soft, delicate tannins. It pairs exceptionally well with white meats, duck, charcuterie, and savory roasted dishes that match its lively fruit profile without overwhelming its light structure.

## Wine making process

The grapes are co-fermented using a French infusion method known as flottaison. Direct-pressed Chardonnay juice serves as the base, in which whole clusters of Pinot Noir are suspended for a gentle extraction. Fermentation occurs spontaneously using native yeasts with zero added sulfur. The wine ages sur lie in neutral vessels before being bottled unfined and unfiltered to preserve its vibrant freshness.