# Peggy Sue Petite Sirah (2022)

- **Producer:** De Levende
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Petite Sirah
- **Region:** California, United States
- **Style:** Natural
- **Alcohol:** 11.5%
- **Average price:** €25
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now
- **Serving temperature:** 12–14 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** cherry, plum, raspberry, blackcurrant

## About this wine

De Levende is a California natural wine project created by Brett Pallesen, owner of the Los Angeles importer The Soil Expedition, in collaboration with winemakers like Alex Pomerantz of Subject to Change Wine Co. The project focuses on zero-intervention natural winemaking using organically farmed Northern California fruit. Peggy Sue intentionally subverts the classic California style of Petite Sirah—traditionally heavy, highly tannic, and dark—by turning it into a light, fresh, and highly drinkable red.

## Interesting facts

- Subverts typical California Petite Sirah by crafting it into a light, 11.5% ABV chillable red.
- Created by Brett Pallesen, founder of LA natural wine importer The Soil Expedition.
- Uses carbonic-style natural fermentation to keep tannins soft and drinkability high.

## Food pairing

The bright acidity and soft, low tannins of this chillable natural red cut through rich meats and savory fats without overpowering lighter dishes or clashing with spices and earthy components like truffles.

## Wine making process

The grapes are organically farmed and hand-harvested in Mendocino County. Vinification relies entirely on natural methodology with spontaneous fermentation using native yeasts. A light, Nouveau or carbonic-style fermentation strategy is employed to minimize harsh tannin extraction while preserving bright fruit aromatics. The wine is bottled unfined and unfiltered with minimal to zero added sulfites at SC Cellars in Sonoma County.