The Frannes Estate
- The Frannes estate sits on one of the most storied pieces of land in Valle de Guadalupe. Originally planted in 1937, not only is it one of the oldest in valley, but, because it is located near one of the valley's terminuses, it has a unique canyon-like micro-climate. Fresh breezes descending from the steep valley walls, and first access to the water entering the valley from the north are two of the defining characteristics of this vineyard site whose well-worn soils have a long memory of vineyards. Naturally filtered water that works its way through many miles of sandstone and granite before arriving at the aquifer that lies below the vineyard is proclaimed by the wine maker Ernesto to be the source of the silky tannins that are elegantly folded into their wines. The overall balance is what is most striking about these wines, which offer a dimension of complexity rarely seen.
- All grapes are estate grown from organically farmed old vineyards of the prestigious original Camou estate.
- This is the first and only estate in the valley to be working in collaboration with the well-known consultant Michel Rolland from France.
Total production: 62 acres under vine, 9 wines, 5,000 cases
2016 Tinto de Frannes - Viña de Frannes
Tasting Notes and Drinking Window:
A blend of austerity from Bordeaux and the spicy nuance of Rioja, this is another great expression of place by an estate that cuts no corners. The final vintage of this wine to contain Tempranillo, the 2015 stands as a testament to the harmony that can be found in this uncommon blend. Each grape finding its own voice in the final expression the wine is at once spicy and at the same time juicy and smooth in the mouth. With a medium to full body, it can age a decade but wants you just as much upon release.
1,000 cases made
Drinking window: Upon - 10 years
Vintage:
2016
Blend:
25% Cabernet Franc, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 25% Tempranillo
Producer:
Viña de Frannes
Winemaker:
Don Ernesto Alvarez Morphy - Mexican
Vineyards:
Valle de Guadalupe, ejido de Francisco Zarco - Estate vineyards are located in a tight fold at the end of the valley near one of its terminuses, approximately 10 miles from the Pacific at an elevation of 1,000 ft. Soils are a sandy clay marl.
Winemaking:
Fermented in stainless steel tanks for 10 days and then racked into 2nd use French oak barrels and aged for 8 months
Sulfites: 28 ppm
Farming:
Organic, sustainable
Alcohol:
12.5%
