2021 Blanc De Franc

Made with 100% Cabernet Franc grapes, this sparkling wine has earned a reputation for extraordinary character and quality. Timing of the harvest is critical, so the grapes are hand-harvested early, achieving the perfect balancing point of flavour and acidity that is essential for this wine. The handling and pressing are gentle to obtain only the most desirable juice. Fermentation for the base wine is cold and slow to capture flavour and aromatics, with a portion of the juice fermented in benign older barrels to build texture. The second fermentation happens in the bottle and the wine is then aged for over 30 months with the lees, allowing for the all-important development of the unique flavour and texture of this wine. Blanc de Franc has an expressive nose, with dramatic complexities of bright citrus, green apple, ripe gooseberry and sweet herbs. The freshness carries through to create the vibrant palate. The fruitiness is evident as flavours of grapefruit, green apple and white mulberry shine through. There is an enticing backbone of sweet herbs, citrus zest and a hint of green olive. Blanc de Franc also shows its pedigree, as there is the slightest nuance of red fruit, with hints of red currant and cranberry. The weight of the wine is pronounced, as the texture drives a long presence on the palate and leads to a lovely transition into a lingering, complicated finish.