Scar of the Sea
Pricing available as supply lasts.
SALE CLOSES MONDAY FEBRUARY 10th at 12:00 pm.
ALL WINES AVAILABLE FOR PICKUP starting Wednesday February 12th at 5pm.
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Hey everyone!
This week’s offer is special. This is what we all want in wine.
Sense of place. Embracing terroir. Fresh expression of fruit. Youthful energy.
Scar of the Sea is a brand that is incredible, but currently under the radar. They are relatively new to the Twin Cities market, and have blown me away with every bottle we’ve tried.
This is part of the “New California” movement, where young winemakers are embracing old-school winemaking techniques while producing lower-alcohol styles of wine from ancient vineyards. The winery didn’t exist when the Jon Bonne’s The New California Wine was written, but their wines fall right into place with everything conveyed in that important book.
Please note: a theme I’m repeating often this year is “these wines aren’t for everyone, but they are for someone.” I said that last week with the Burgundy offer mainly because of the price of the wines. I’m saying it again this week because of the style. These wines are a tightrope walk of flavors with all wines under 13% ABV (including the Zinfandel). They are edgy and fresh, with a bright kaleidoscope of flavors. If you like higher alchol, rich, textured, or heavier wines these are not for you.
Scar of the Sea: A Coastal California Winemaking Journey
Nestled in the rugged coastal landscape of California’s Central Coast, Scar of the Sea Winery represents a profound exploration of terroir, sustainability, and the delicate side of winemaking. Founded by winemakers Michael Bratcher and Gina Giugni, the winery embodies a deep reverence for the region’s unique viticultural landscape, drawing inspiration from the dramatic coastal environments that shape their wines.
The winery’s philosophy is fundamentally rooted in a commitment to minimal intervention winemaking and an intimate connection with the land. Unlike many commercial wineries that source fruit from multiple large-scale vineyards, Scar of the Sea takes a remarkably precise approach, working directly with small, often family-owned vineyards that represent the most distinctive microclimates of California’s coastal regions.
Their fruit sourcing strategy is particularly noteworthy. Bratcher and Giugni prioritize vineyards in cool-climate areas like the Santa Maria Valley, Santa Rita Hills, and the broader Central Coast appellation. These locations are characterized by their proximity to the Pacific Ocean, which creates a unique growing environment with persistent marine fog, significant diurnal temperature variations, and soils that range from sandy loam to limestone-rich compositions.
Imagine vineyards where fog rolls in like a thick blanket and ocean winds are basically giving the grapes a stern talking-to. That’s where Scar of the Sea lives. Santa Maria Valley. Santa Rita Hills. Places so cool and windswept that lesser grapes would just give up and cry. On the other side of the coin are expressive gems from little-known regions (such as the Zinfandel in this offer).
Ingredient labels! Thank you! There is NOTHING in these wines other than what is listed.
The winemaking process at Scar of the Sea is defined by a minimalist approach that allows the inherent character of the fruit and its origin to shine through. They utilize native yeasts, avoid heavy manipulation, and employ traditional techniques like whole cluster fermentation and neutral oak aging. This philosophy results in wines that are not just beverages, but true expressions of their specific geographic origins.
Stylistically, Scar of the Sea focuses primarily on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, though they also produce small amounts of other varieties like Gamay and Zinfandel. Their wines are typically characterized by bright acidity, nuanced complexity, and a sense of transparency that reflects the cool, maritime-influenced landscapes where the grapes are grown.
Sustainability is more than just a buzzword for this winery—it’s a fundamental ethos. They work closely with growers who practice organic and regenerative farming, emphasizing biodiversity, soil health, and minimal environmental impact. This approach extends beyond the vineyard, encompassing their entire production process, from grape to bottle.
Let’s get to them!
Scar of the Sea, Vino de los Ranchos, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir
These are the ‘welcome to Scar of the Sea’ wines and we have them available individually or as a two-pack. They are the most affordable wines in the group and are a great introduction to this winery.
2022 vintage Chardonnay. 12.0% ABV.
2023 vintage Pinot Noir. 12.5% ABV.
Grown in the cool-climate vineyards of Santa Maria Valley, the Chardonnay is a study in balance and purity. Aromas of Meyer lemon, crisp green apple, and honeysuckle lead into a palate that is both rich and refreshing. A touch of saline minerality, thanks to the ocean influence, enhances flavors of citrus zest, white peach, and delicate almond. Fermented and aged in neutral vessels, this wine retains its bright acidity and transparency of terroir, making it a truly expressive, coastal-driven Chardonnay with a long, elegant finish. Damn good stuff.
The Pinot Noir captures the essence of the Santa Maria Valley’s fog-laden mornings and sun-kissed afternoons. Aromas of black cherry, ripe cranberry, and baking spices rise from the glass, complemented by hints of sage and crushed gravel. The palate is beautifully structured, with layers of juicy red berries, orange zest, and a touch of earthiness. A vibrant acidity and supple tannins make for an elegant, balanced wine that speaks to the cool-climate charm of Santa Maria’s renowned vineyards. Expressive, fresh, and full of energy, this is a Pinot Noir that will only continue to evolve with time. It totally reminds me of the best Pinot Noirs from Au Bon Climat during its heyday with Jim Clendenen.
Scar of the Sea, Bassi Vineyard Pinot Noir
2022 vintage. 12.9% ABV.
From the windswept Bassi Vineyard along the SLO Coast, this Pinot Noir is a stunning reflection of coastal terroir. Aromas of wild raspberry, cranberry, and dried rose petals give way to a palate of juicy red cherries, blood orange, and a hint of savory spice. The cool ocean breezes and limestone-rich soils impart a taut acidity and minerality, balancing the wine’s silky texture. Subtle notes of forest floor and coastal herbs add depth, making this a Pinot that is both refined and expressive, perfect for lovers of elegant, terroir-driven wines.
Scar of the Sea, Topotero Vineyard Gamay
2022 vintage. 12.6% ABV.
This Gamay beautifully showcases the maritime influence of the SLO Coast, with bright acidity and a vibrant, energetic profile. The nose bursts with wild strawberries, red currants, and crushed violets, while the palate is laced with tart cherry, pomegranate, and a subtle earthiness. Fine-grained tannins and a whisper of coastal salinity lend structure and balance, making this an exceptionally fresh and lively expression of Gamay. Grown in the cool-climate Topotero Vineyard, this wine reflects the vineyard’s sandy soils and ocean breezes, offering an elegant yet playful drinking experience.
Scar of the Sea, Lopez Vineyard Old Vine Zinfandel
2023 vintage. 12.8% ABV. (wow!)
A rare gem from the historic Lopez Vineyard, this Old Vine Zinfandel is a testament to the resilience and character of Cucamonga Valley’s dry-farmed vines. The bouquet is rich with blackberries, ripe plums, and sun-dried figs, layered with notes of black pepper, cocoa, and dusty earth. The palate is bold yet balanced, with juicy dark fruit, brambly spice, and a rustic minerality that reflects the vineyard’s deep sandy soils. Silky tannins and a long, lingering finish make this a Zin of both power and finesse, celebrating the history and authenticity of its old-vine origins.
Learn more about this vineyard planted in 1919: https://www.carolshelton.com/vineyards/lopez-vineyard/
Scar of the Sea, Non-Vintage Solera Chardonnay, 2022 edition
12.1% ABV.
This unique Solera-style Chardonnay from Rancho Tepusquet is a layered and complex expression of Santa Maria Valley’s distinctive terroir. Blending multiple vintages, the wine shows a dynamic interplay of bright citrus, ripe pear, and toasted hazelnut, underscored by a saline minerality that reflects its coastal origins. A beautifully textured palate reveals notes of golden apple, lemon curd, and a subtle hint of brioche, all balanced by a vibrant acidity. The Solera aging method lends a remarkable depth and a lingering, evolving finish, making this a truly distinctive Chardonnay with both freshness and old-world charm.
Learn more about the Solera system: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solera
In conclusion / buying advice
Scar of the Sea, along with another half-dozen brands you’ll get to hear about as the year goes on, represent the future of California wine. The future lies in young winemakers with vision that focus on wine making as a craft. The benefit they have, and it’s a huge benefit, is that they weren’t around in the 1980s and 1990s making wine. They are approaching with fresh ideas and new expressions, which fit perfectly with modern cuisine and an environmental ethos.
All of these wines are intellectual, precise, bright, and dynamic. They are not made to age (though they will hold up just fine for years), and should for sure be enjoyed with carefully made food.
Dive in!
Thanks, everyone!
Jason Kallsen
Sommelier and founder/owner of Twin Cities Wine Education
Offer and special pricing are available as inventory lasts