Friday, October 06, 2017

Good morning, Franc!

It's been several years since Vinomaker has had the chance to make Cabernet franc (CF), his favourite varietal wine to make.  The owner of the Oak Knoll District CF vineyard, from where we sourced the grapes, had decided to replant after suffering years of declining vine health.  So when Vinomaker got the call that there was some fruit available he hopped at the chance.
It was fun to get out early in the morning to harvest the fruit.  The valley is a hive of activity right now and you can't turn in any direction without seeing fruit laden picking bins and gondolas.  Replanted on 101-14 Mgt rootstock, grafted to CF clone 214, there really wasn't much fruit on the young vines.  On arrival in back Vinoland, the fruit was destemmed and became a field blend with a batch of St. Helena Cabernet Sauvignon.
Hopefully, in 2018, the owner of the vineyard will once again let us have some grapes; a lot more grapes, perhaps.  Picking-knives crossed.

3 comments:

New Hampshire Wineman said...

Hey! Home/sweet home!

Thud said...

Any just franc being made?...if you survive being roasted that is.

phlegmfatale said...

I have been nose-to-the-grindstone all semester, and I poked my head up today only to find that Napa is on fire. I am worried, and hope you and yours are safe and well away from danger. My heart grieves for all the folks affected by this, and I hope that your place is well away from danger. Above all, I pray you are safe, both the dog and human contingent of "you and yours."

<3