{"product_id":"mt-brave-cabernet-franc-2021-750ml","title":"Mt. Brave - Cabernet Franc 2021 (750ml)","description":"\u003cp\u003eHISTORY\u003cbr\u003e\nMt. Brave Vineyard sits high atop Mt. Veeder at an elevation of 1,400 to 1,800 feet. Mt. Veeder has been planted with winegrapes since the early 1860s by winemaking pioneers such as Charles Krug, Agoston Haraszthy, Frederick Hess and William S. Keyes. Wines from Mt. Veeder achieved recognition as early as the Paris Exposition of 1900. The parcel that became the Mt. Brave Vineyard, in the northern reaches of the Mt. Veeder American Viticultural Area, was originally purchased in 1841 before the Gold Rush and the Civil War.\u003cbr\u003e\nVINEYARD AND ORGANIC FARMING\u003cbr\u003e\nHigh-elevation winegrowing requires a painstaking, labor-intensive approach. Mt. Brave Vineyard’s thin, rocky soils and steep slopes make water retention a challenge and erosion a threat, but the vines benefit from the struggle and produce concentrated flavors. The high altitude keeps midday temperatures cooler than those in the valley below, while the position above the fog line gives grapes longer daily exposure to sunlight. This regularly extends the growing season into November, and the increased hang-time results in peak ripeness and full varietal complexity. Mt. Brave Vineyard was certified organic in 2023 after a five-year transition. Not only has the fruit reached a new level of excellence, the vines are more resilient without artificial treatments. We are now approaching regenerative accreditation. We are proud to farm with methods that contribute to a better global climate, healthier land, and more compelling wines.\u003cbr\u003e\nWINEMAKING\u003cbr\u003e\nWe hand-harvested grapes during cool morning hours as the fog blanketed the valley below. The wine was fermented in stainless steel and then underwent native malolactic fermentation in barrels to round acidity and softly integrate the vanillin character of French oak (70% new). After barrel aging for 22 months, the wine was bottled without fining or filtration.\u003cbr\u003e\nWINEMAKER’S COMMENTS\u003cbr\u003e\nThe 2021 vintage started with just a little rain in winter and spring, followed by a moderate summer and cooler fall. The absence of heat spikes and moisture as the clusters finished ripening meant we could pick exactly when we felt the fruit was at its peak. This gentle growing season yielded vivid, fresh character. This Cabernet Franc evokes memory and possibility, with notes of raspberry and orange blossom lifted by ocean air. Lead pencil shavings and toast are nice grounding elements conveyed with a silky mouthfeel.\u003cbr\u003e\nACCLAIM\u003cbr\u003e\n98 Points – Lisa Perrotti-Brown, The Wine Independent, April 2024\u003cbr\u003e\nTECHNICAL NOTES\u003cbr\u003e\ncomposition 100% Cabernet Franc\u003cbr\u003e\nharvest dates September 16\u003cbr\u003e\nfermentation Native yeast fermentation\u003cbr\u003e\nmaceration 20 days\u003cbr\u003e\nbarrel aging 22 months in French oak (70% new)\u003cbr\u003e\nalc. by vol. 15%\u003cbr\u003e\nwine ph 3.8\u003cbr\u003e\nwine acidity 0.63g\/100ml\u003cbr\u003e\nvineyard Mt. Brave Vineyard\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mt. Brave","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47332215488736,"sku":"123730","price":130.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0649\/9713\/0464\/files\/mt-brave-cabernet-franc_1.jpg?v=1746479547","url":"https:\/\/www.mywineconnection.com\/products\/mt-brave-cabernet-franc-2021-750ml","provider":"My Wine Connection","version":"1.0","type":"link"}