Item Number: 7352 UPC: 0856622001334

Country: USA
Region: New York Sub Region: Finger Lakes
Appellation/AVA: Finger Lakes
Vintage: 2012
Grape(s): 100% Cabernet Franc
Type: Wine - Red
Bottle Size: 750ml Pack: 12
Closure: Cork
Case Production: 195
Alc by Vol(%): 12
Vintage Notes: 2012 was one of the warmest growing season’s in the past 40 years in the Finger Lakes with low disease pressure and just enough rain for healthy growth. The grapes, grown on the Western shore of Cayuga Lake were some of the last to be harvested in the Finger Lakes, on October 29th. The vineyard is planted to a clonal selection of Cabernet Franc from the Loire Valley, and the style of the wine is influenced by the Loire. The longer hang time allowed for optimal development and concentration of flavors.

Winemaking Notes: After the grapes were picked by hand, they soaked for 48 hours at low temperatures before the start of fermentation. Once fermentation began the temperature was raised to almost 90 degrees F to extract ripe red fruit characteristics without any harsh tannins. It was aged for 10 months in seasoned French Oak barrels (225 liters) before bottling with minimal filtration to preserve the wines aromas and texture.

Tasting Notes: Medium-bodied with soft tannins. This Charles Fournier Cabernet Franc possesses classic raspberry and pencil shaving notes of Cabernet Franc in the nose and on the palate complimented by a kiss of oak and some subtle notes of savory herbs.

The Finger Lakes Terroir: Ice Age glaciers carved the narrow, deep Finger Lakes, creating ideal conditions for growing grapes. The glaciers deposited a shallow layer of topsoil on sloping shale beds above the lakes, providing great drainage. The deep lakes have a strong climate moderating effect providing the vineyards protection from extremes in weather. The Finger Lakes growing season averages 190 to 200 days.

The Cayuga Lake Region meso-climate is affected by both Cayuga Lake and its adjacent hills. What distinguishes the region from the rest of the Finger Lakes is its altitude. The maximum elevation is no more than 800 feet above the surface of Cayuga Lake. Altitudes to the east, west, and south of the area are between 1,000–2,000 feet. This lower altitude, combined with the depth of Cayuga Lake, makes the growing season 10–15 days longer than in the rest of the Finger Lakes region and particularly well suited for the growing Cabernet Franc.

About the Label: The Charles Fournier Gold Seal label is virtually identical to the label that was last used commercially in the early 1980’s. In 2010 Charles Bieler and Bruce Schneider launched the Gotham Project, dedicated to soulful wines packaged in 19.5L reusable, stainless steel kegs for wine on tap. Their first wine was a 2009 Finger Lakes Riesling from Seneca Lake. In 2010 Gotham began purchasing grapes from several vineyards on Seneca Lake and learned that one of those vineyards, the Doyle Vineyard, was one of the last to be planted by Charles Fournier in the early 1970s. Bieler and Schneider loved the story and asked the Doyle family, owners of the trademark, for permission to re-introduce the label as a tribute to Charles Fournier’s vision and legacy.