Robert Foley Vineyards 2019 Charbono, Napa Valley

Item Number: 19160

UPC: None

Country: USA
Region: California
Sub Region: Napa Valley
Appellation/AVA: Napa Valley
Estate Grown Wine: No
Vintage: 2019
Grape(s): 100% Charbono
Type: Wine - Red
Bottle Size: 750 ml
Pack: 12
Closure: Cork
Alc by Vol(%): 13.6
Soil Type: Rocky

Harvest: Manual

Vinification: Ten-day fermentation; aging in once-seasoned French oak barrels for 18 months

Tasting Notes: Ripe raspberry aromas soar from the glass with a hint of must and camphor. A gentle midpalate carries these flavors, which then resolve in very soft tannins. The lower alcohol level unveils a tangy acidity and thorough ripeness in perfect balance producing a long lingering finish. This is a very versatile food wine.

About Charbono Grape: Charbono is one of the almost lost grape varieties. Recent reports indicate there are only about 90 acres of this variety in existence, with half of this in Napa. This grape variety originated in the Savoie region of the French Alps and cuttings were brought to the Napa Valley in the 1880s. Its original name was Doux Noir, or "soft black," later called Charbonneau meaning “carbon water”. Subsequently, Charbono was wiped out in Europe by the phylloxera root louse infestation. Some believed it to be the Italian grape variety Dolcetto, but this was proven not to be the case through genetic testing. After repeal of Prohibition in the U.S., Charbono was used by Inglenook for blending and small amounts were bottled as varietal wine. Robert Foley tasted the 1968 Inglenook Charbono from cask in 1969; it was his AHA moment, and the inspiration he needed to dedicate his life to winemaking.