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For Generous Tastes
Franciscan wines remain a distinct pleasure – complex and vibrant, yet supple and lingering. We strive to offer a comprehensive, evocative sensory experience: lush aromatics and rich, full flavors that are too good to keep to yourself.
Founded in 1972 for those who live generously
Franciscan was named for the Friars who brought old world viticulture, as well as ideals of community and service, to California.
Current Vintages
Franciscan Sauvignon Blanc V21 750ML
Grapefruit, Lime Zest, Peach, Guava
An appealing, fruit-forward taste of the bright, plush and generous Franciscan California Sauvignon Blanc 2021 style. The delightfully crisp and refreshing palate offers citrusy notes of ripe grapefruit and lime zest, layered with rich, smooth hints of juicy peach, guava and pineapple. Subtle suggestions of white florals and vibrant green apple add wonderful texture and lift to the wine, which finishes with a bight flourish. Enjoy this share-worthy wine alongside bright green salads, fresh vegetables or zesty grilled seafood dishes.
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<b>VINTAGE NOTES</b><br>
An exceptional 2021 growing season gave us mature, well-balanced fruit and generous, flavorful wines. The season was smooth, consistent and evenly paced, with dry, temperate conditions persisting from late winter until harvest. We picked our Sauvignon Blanc grapes early in the season, allowing us to capture crisp, vibrant fruit expression. Grapes came into the cellar showing beautiful concentration, advanced flavor development and ideal structure at lower-than-usual Brix levels. Overall, an outstanding vintage.
Franciscan Cabernet Sauvignon V21 750ML
Toasted Caramel, Chocolate, Toasted Coconut
<b>About the Wine</b><br>
Our 2021 California Cabernet Sauvignon is a bold red wine with a big presence. Aromas of black tea, clove and anise radiate from the glass, revealing notes of blackberry and black plum. A rich layer of toasted caramel, shaved chocolate and toasted coconut underscore the fruit characteristics, leading to a long, decadent finish. Cabernet pairs beautifully with hearty meat, like filet mignon and herb-dusted standing rib roast.
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<b>Viticulture Notes</b><br>
The 2021 growing season was dry with budbreak in early March. Harvest began in mid- September. The resulting grapes were picked at the optimal ripeness while still maintaining their natural acidity. Fruit from this harvest boasted beautiful complexity and flavor characteristics.
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<b>Winemaking Notes</b><br>
Grapes were harvested in cool, early morning hours. Upon arrival at the winery, the grapes were destemmed and lightly crushed before undergoing a multi-day cold soak to gently extract flavor and color. Fermentation occurred at moderate temperatures with 10-14 days of skin contact. The wine was aged on a mix of French and American oak.
Franciscan Chardonnay V21 750ML
Pear, Apple, Pineapple, Lemon Flower
Our 2021 Franciscan Estate Chardonnay is a bright, approachable white wine grown in California. Hints of freshly sliced pineapple and lemon flower greet the nose. With no oak aging or malolactic fermentation, the wine feels refreshing on the palate with juicy notes of pear and apple. A wonderful texture gives the wine a plushness that carries through to a refreshing finish. This Chardonnay is delicious with cracked crab squeezed with lemon or sweet and sour pineapple chicken.
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<b>Viticulture Notes</b><br>
The 2021 growing season was dry with budbreak in early March. Harvest began in early August. The resulting grapes were picked at the optimal ripeness while still maintaining their natural acidity. Fruit from this harvest boasted beautiful complexity and flavor characteristics.
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<b>Winemaking Notes</b><br>
Grapes for our Chardonnay were selected from premier vineyards throughout California’s celebrated wine regions. Fruit was harvested at night and in the early morning to ensure the highest quality, then pressed while grapes were still cool. A long, cool fermentation occurred in stainless steel tanks preserved the richness, fruit flavors and generous aromas. Throughout fermentation, lees were stirred to enhance the texture and complexity.