If you have the chance to visit Ensenada, you have to visit the vineyards of Bibayoff, a 35 Hectares vineyards of Chenin Blanc, Colombard, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Nebbiolo and Moscatel. Of those 35, only 15 are used to make 800 bottles per year of their artisan wines, hand picked, carefully taken care of and hand labeled. The rest is sold to provide other wineries or to new wine projects.
David Bibayoff, the owner of this winery, is a descendant of the founders of the first Russian colony in México, established in Ensenada in 1906. This families started to produce their own wines in the 30´s, many years later him and his sons keep the family tradition alive but with modern wine making techniques.
Wonderful, fun, warm, friendly hosts; David Bibayoff and his family welcome you in a beautiful farm, that has a small museum of Russian traditions and a tasting room where you can watch how their wines are hand labeled.
Surrounded by huge fruit trees and endless lines of vines, “Toros Pintos” farm is a place where many of the producers, wine makers and friends from the valley get together to exchange experiences and laughs around a bottle of good wine (or more!), hosted by the friendly personality of the owner, Mr. David Bibayoff.
If you go visit this winery, don’t forget to buy a bottle of their wonderful Moscatel, unique in México!
Moscatel
100% Moscatel grapes, a yellow golden color with bronze touch, in the nose you´ll get dry fruits with a light species end, in the mouth the taste is sweet, balanced with dry fruits tastes. Pair it with Brie cheese and fruit pies.
Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
100% Cabernet Sauvignon, Violet Reddish with brick colors. In nose you will get aromas of blackberries, prunes, tobacco, woods and species. In mouth you´ll get a very structured wine with ripped tannins, dry fruits and a medium but nice end. Pair it with fine steaks, cheeses and bread.
Nebbiolo 2005
100% Nebbiolo, a dark red with violet colors. In nose you will get aromas of prunes, figs, chocolate and tobacco with a touch of species. In mouth you´ll find a very structured wine with firm tannins and a long, silky textured end. Pair it with Mole Oaxaqueño or Lamb ribs in chocolate sauce.
Cabernet - Zinfandel 2000
80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Zinfandel, a red pomegranate wine with brick colors. In nose you´ll get strawberry marmalade, dry fruits, wet sand and leather. In mouth it´s a wine with good acidity and a fruity taste. Pair it with charcutery, cheeses and aged breads.
No doubt that the mix of different cultures settled in Baja California gives it a very very interesting touch and a visit to Bibayoff winery is definitely a must when you go to the wine route in México.
And as the Bibayoff´s say: “Save water, drink wine” !
Salud…and Viva México!!
