Vinos Pijoan 'El Carbónico', Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico 2025
Silvana Pijoan, a former dancer turned Baja natural-wine trailblazer, runs Barbera through carbonic maceration for a no-sulfur-added glou-glou red that makes the case for Valle de Guadalupe as a natural-wine frontier.
Tasting Notes
"Bright, glowing raspberry in the glass, with juicy pomegranate, cherry and wild-strawberry fruit plus the playful candied lift of carbonic fermentation. Soft tannins, naturally zippy acidity and a faint saline edge keep it lively and best with a light chill. Tacos al pastor, spicy fried chicken, or pizza" — Harvest Wine Shop
Details
Variety: 90% Barbera, 10% Tempranillo
Region: Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California, Mexico — Cabello Vineyard, San Antonio de las Minas; sandy and silty soils
Farming Practice: Hand-harvested; drip-irrigated vineyard
Production: 90% whole-cluster carbonic maceration in closed tank for 6–10 days; 10% semi-carbonic and crushed, fermented separately. Pressed before alcoholic fermentation finished and blended back to complete as juice. Five months in neutral oak. Unfiltered, no SO2 added. Winemaker Silvana Pijoan
Volume: 750ml
Alcohol: 12.5% ABV
Serving Suggestion: Serve lightly chilled at 52–56°F