2007 Napa Valley ‘Frediani Vineyard’ Charbono
Charbono is one of the rarest grape varieties in California, with only about 80 acres
planted. Half that total is here in Napa Valley; we are lucky enough to source some
excellent Charbono from our neighbors here in Calistoga, the Frediani family. Through
genetic testing this variety has been determined to be the same grape as Corbeau, which
is grown in the Savoie region of France.
Planted back in the 1920s, the Frediani Charbono vineyard produces low yields with the
ultimate in flavor concentration. On the nose the wine has a complex bouquet that
includes a unique spice character (let me know which spice you think it is?), mocha like
smokiness, and dark berry fruit. On the palate, it is medium- to full-bodied, well
balanced with acidity for food. It has flavors of boysenberry and chocolate with a dry
finish that has hints of rose petal.
At harvest, the sugar was 23.0 brix with a total acidity of 0.50 g/100 ml and a pH of 3.80.
The grapes were destemmed into a small open-topped fermenter and punched down
twice daily by hand. The barrels used were 25% new American oak and 75% two and
three year old American oak barrels. The wine was aged in barrel for 15 months. It was
bottled without fining or filtration. 247 cases were produced.
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