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2011 Cabernet Franc
In 2011 we produced our first Cabernet Franc. The grapes come from the Alegria Vineyard just south of Healdsburg in the Russian River Valley appellation. The vineyard is made up mostly of ancient field blends from the 1800s. The Cabernet Franc was planted in 1990. This is a fairly cool climate for Cabernet Franc and the idea was to make a light bodied wine that emphasizes the herbal and floral qualities of the grape.
Vinification
The grapes were picked at the end of October with a very low brix level. The whole clusters were sealed in a bin and underwent a carbonic maceration for two weeks. Then the lid was removed and the grapes were crushed by foot to release some juice and allow the rest of the fermentation to continue naturally. After pressing, the wine was aged in neutral French oak barrels.
Tasting Notes
The 2011 Cabernet Franc combines the green olive, blue flowers and dusty cocoa aromatics typical of Cabernet Franc with a very juicy fruit driven palate from the carbonic maceration all in a very low alcohol light bodied frame. This wine is a result of our desire for swillable light red wines from California. We recommend drinking it with a slight chill.
