Acorn Wines were founded in 1990 by Bill & Betsy Nachbaur in the Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California. A small producer, they make less than 3,000 cases a year! Their passion comes from growing and and co-fermenting field-blends from making wines that are food-friendly, and balanced made in the Old World-style. We are thrilled to showcase them for our tasting this weekend! Details for the four wines we are pouring this weekend can be found below:
2014 Acorn Alegría Vineyards Cabernet Franc: 93% Cab Franc co-fermented with small amounts of Malbec, Merlot & Petit Verdot to add extra dimension and complexity. Fermented with the same yeast used in Brunello (strain BM45) to increase the spiciness. Aromas of creamy vanilla with cranberry, cherry, violets, and cedar. Double Gold Medal at the 2017 American Fine Wine Competition. 91 pts and Gold Medal at the 2017 Winemaker Challenge
2014 Acorn Alegría Vineyards Dolcetto: To add complexity, this Dolcetto is co-fermented with Freisa and Barbera, two other Piedmontese varieties usually inter-planted with the Dolcetto. (Barbera adds acid; Freisa adds strawberry notes.) dark plum, Bing cherry, and vanilla aromas fuse with notes of warm brown spices. Aged 18 months in French and American oak. 95 points & Platinum Medal - 2017 Winemaker Challenge International Wine Competition. Gold Medal - San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
2014 Acorn Alegría Vineyards Sangiovese: In 1990, the Nachbauers were delighted to find old Sangiovese vines inter-planted with the Zinfandel. Since 1992, they have added 22 additional distinct selections of Sangiovese to their vineyard as well as two other traditional Tuscan blending grapes: Canaiolo (for color) and Mammolo (for aroma). This wine has alluring aromas of roasting coffee that mingle with hints of tart cherry, cranberry, and an earthy, mineral essence.
2014 Acorn Alegría Vineyards Heritage Vines Zinfandel: The Heritage Zinfandel Vines, first planted in 1890, represent a unique mix of 18 inter-planted grape varieties. All vineyard work is done by hand, and each vine gets individualized attention. The nose showcases black raspberry threaded with white pepper and toasty oak. On the palate, spicy blackberry, plum, and boysenberry. Mocha and dark chocolate round out the wine, adding depth and elegance. Black cherry and a trace of cedar appear near the finish as the flavors expand and linger. 93 points - 2017 California State Fair Wine Competition. Listed as one of the best Zinfandels from the 2017 ZAP Grand Tasting by Pierre DuMont of the Piedmont Post.
In addition to the Acorn wines we are also pouring:
2016 Alycastre Rosé, Provence, FR: Made on the tiny island of Porquerolles off the Côte d'Azur of the French Riviera, this rosé is made in a dry style with light strawberry and floral aromas indicative of the superiority of Provençal rosés! Crisp, light and refreshing with a balanced miner It is a blend of equal parts Mourvèdre, Grenache and Tibouren. The town of Alycastre was named after a fabled dragon who was slain by a pilgrim and, said with his dying breath he wanted the town to be named after him.
2015 Fontaniels Pinot Noir, Languedoc-Rousillon, FR : From the Languedoc-Roussillon region in Southern France, this Pinot Noir drinks much like it's made in the New World. Ripe red fruits and soft floral notes on the nose, followed by juicy cherries and raspberries, light baking spices and a delicate earthiness on the palate. Fantastic bottle and tremendous value!
