i, nomad

Los Angeles is full of nomadic spirits who know that the world is small and precious, and we are all part of the same tribe. The earth doesn't belong to us; we belong to the earth.

i, nomad features a Monarch butterfly on the label. The Monarch embodies the spirit of having a light touch on the earth and spreading beauty wherever you go.

i, nomad is the first of Centralas Wine's negociant labels. Our goal with i, nomad is to provide a single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon of uniquely high quality, for under $20. Amazing wine shouldn't be something that only millionaires can afford.

We discovered a very special, mature vineyard in Mendocino County and wanted to share the wine from it. The vineyard is farmed only with the organically allowed inputs of sulfur, gypsum and fish emulsion (see the Pesticide Use Report, linked below), but it is not certified organic. It grows on a windy mountain-top, just above the fog line, which reduces mildew and pest pressure significantly. The vineyard is so densely planted that it can only be tended by hand - the vineyard doesn't even own a tractor. The vineyard is never tilled.

The wine making is low-intervention. Ripe Cabernet grapes are allowed to go through native fermentation, then aged in mostly neutral French oak (18% new) for three years. Only sulfites and a small amount of acidulated water were added during winemaking.

The result is a single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon that is distinctive, age-able, classically Californian, and packs way more deliciousness than something this inexpensive has any right to.

We're thrilled to have found this wine so that we could share it with you.

Here is the Pesticide Use Report from the Mendocino County public records:

We include this report because the i, nomad vineyard is not certified organic, though it could be. We go to every length to verify that only organically allowed substances were used in any non-certified vineyard that we use, and we are as transparent with all of this info as we can be. Here’s our article about why you must be extra careful about organic claims that are not certified. We have only deleted information that would identify the vineyard or that is irrelevant to consumers. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to connect with us.

With i, nomad we embrace a global perspective and a shared connection to everyone who feels a sense of curiosity and the pull of the unknown. As we're passing through, let's emulate the Monarch and contribute beauty and have a light a touch on our journeys.

Interested in the label artwork?

The beautiful painting of the Monarch butterfly on the front label of i, nomad was done by 10 year old Ava Barrios. Ava was studying impressionist art and did this painting as a study of the technique. Prodigy? We'll let you decide.

A huge thanks to Ava for allowing us to use her painting for i, nomad. It inspires us, and we hope it inspires you too.