Donkey & Goat, IF THEN Red 2022

Merlot, Grenache, Couniose, Cinsault, Carignan, Mourvèdre, Fiano

California, USA

Juicy, crunchy and fresh are the call-outs for this fun and easy-sipping wine. Bright notes of raspberry, blueberry, and boysenberry are complemented by herbaceous and floral hints of violets, lavender and sage. The palate delivers a burst of berry compote, with a long finish reminiscent of petrichor after the season’s first rain. VEGAN.

We call these wines IF / THEN due to the rubber hitting the road truth of all winemaking and natural winemaking in particular.  Just like a chef has to pivot based on what they found at the market that morning, winemakers pivot every vintage based on what mother nature delivers.  IF a late set and rains coming THEN we pick prior to perfect everything and still make delicious wine after blending, perhaps stirring the lees, maybe an extended maceration or a “skinny dip” style.  Everyday Tracey & Connor face IF / THEN scenarios.  Tracey also has a tech background from the last century (1990’s dot coms) which rests upon IF THEN statements for algorithms.  And IF THEN statements speak to her ethos of always problem solving with a positivity lens.  IF a roadblock appears, THEN find a joyful route full of creativity while taking care of our world and our humans, that ultimately produces a lip smacking delicious wine of character.  That about sums up our philosophy at Donkey & Goat and you can taste it in these bottles.

Donkey & Goat is a pioneering natural winery founded in 2004 by Jared and Tracey Brandt in Berkeley, California, after training with renowned Rhône winemaker Éric Texier in France, and is widely recognized as one of the leaders of the American natural wine movement. The winery sources sustainably farmed grapes from cool-climate vineyards across Northern California, working closely with growers who share its commitment to ecological farming and expressive, terroir-driven wines. Winemaking is entirely low-intervention, relying on native yeast fermentations, minimal additions, and extensive use of skin contact for many white wines, with fermentations taking place in wood, clay, concrete, and stainless steel to highlight texture and vineyard character. Donkey & Goat has helped shape modern American natural wine by pioneering commercial Pét-Nat production, championing orange wines, and crafting vibrant, unfiltered wines that balance innovation with a deep respect for place.