Girard '21 Calistoga Charbono

85% Charbono, 10% Carignan, 4% Zinfandel, 1% Field Blend

This 2021 Charbono is vibrant ruby in the glass. The nose offers enticing aromas of blackberry, blueberry, and dried herbs. Dark fruit, earthy notes and a hint of spice delight the palate of this medium-bodied and well-balanced wine. The smooth tannins and fresh acidity deliver a supple, medium length finish.

The growing season started with a wet January and February, then nearly no rain for the remainder of the season. The dry weather resulted in early spring budbreak, followed by early flowering, bloom, and fruit set. Calm spring and summer temperatures allowed for even veraison in July. Due in part to continued drought conditions the yields were naturally lower resulting in optimal ripening of intensely concentrated and very flavorful berries.

Charbono is a grape variety which has taken root in New and Old World regions alike, under a handful of synonyms including Bonarda, Douce Noir and Corbeau. It’s believed that Charbono/Corbeau originated in France’s Savoie region, but its adaptability to a variety of climates helped it become a darling of the Napa Valley in the mid-20th Century. The grape seems to express voluminous fruit flavors, character and vibrancy while naturally moderating  sugar levels (keeping potential alcohol in check). While Charbono may have fallen out of fashion on a large scale, small pockets of older vine plantings dot the Valley today. When our winemaking team was afforded a few tons of fruit from one such vineyard, we eagerly said “yes.”

The grapes for this 2021 Charbono were sourced primarily from the Cooke Ranch Vineyard located just a stone’s throw from our Calistoga winery, at the corner of Dunaweal Lane and Highway 29. The head-trained, dry-farmed vines thrive in Calistoga’s warm sunny days and brisk nighttime temperatures which help ripen grapes with modest sugar and tannin concentration and an abundance of lively fruit character.