Flat Brim "Not Cringey" Applegate Valley 2019

Direct Press Selection | January 2022

• Press 4 Mix

Flat Brim Wines in Portland has been great at providing us with some of the most refreshing, unassuming, and affordable wines in Oregon. Their mission, like many new-wave American winemakers, is basically to recreate the accessible, thirst-quenching style found in regions like the Loire and Beaujolais: a noble goal, for sure. Ian Atkins found his way to wine after serving in the Army and then working at a restaurant started by his wife and brother-in-law in El Paso. They opened more successful restaurants together and eventually the wine bug called them to Portland, Oregon.

The 'Not Cringey' is a field-blend of Primitivo and Zinfandel, which are essentially just different clones of the same variety. It's sourced from granitic soils in the Connor and Hodge vineyards in southern Oregon's Applegate Valley. Fermented whole-cluster and aged in neutral barrels for 12-15 months, with no additions besides a small addition of sulfur at bottling. It's bursting with fresh cranberry and raspberry and though it's 100% in-line with Ian's 'soif, American style' philosophy, it has serious balance and great layers of crunchy texture. Hints of smoky vanilla and a little black pepper make it particularly grill-friendly but this is a versatile, friendly wine for any setting. [Jonathan Kemp, December 2021]