Charbono
In the Whisper of Rarity: Charbono Wine Grapes
Amidst the rolling hills and sun-kissed vineyards, there exists a treasure so rare, its essence whispers softly on the breeze. Here, in the embrace of our vineyard, the Charbono grapes weave a tale of scarcity and grace, a delicate dance between earth and vine.
Nestled amidst the verdant rows, the Charbono vines stand as silent sentinels, their slender tendrils reaching towards the heavens in quiet reverence. In the soft light of dawn, they seem to glow with an ethereal radiance, their leaves shimmering like emerald jewels in the gentle morning mist.
But it is not only their beauty that captivates the soul; it is their scarcity, their rarity, that lends them an air of mystique. Charbono grapes are a precious gift from the earth, their numbers few and their flavors sought after by those who treasure the sublime.
As the seasons unfold, our vineyard undergoes a delicate transformation, each stage of growth a testament to the delicate balance of nature’s hand. From the first delicate buds of spring to the languid days of summer, and finally to the harvest, where each precious cluster is plucked with care and reverence.
And oh, the wine that flows from these scarce grapes! With a depth of flavor that belies its rarity, our Charbono wine is a testament to the artistry of the vine and the dedication of those who tend to its care. Each sip is a journey into the heart of the vineyard, a moment of quiet contemplation amidst the chaos of the world.
So come, wander with us through the whispering vines, where dreams take root and memories are bottled. In our Charbono vineyard, the journey is as rare and precious as the wine itself, and every glass is an invitation to savor the beauty of the fleeting moment.
About Charbono
Douce noir (also known as Bonarda, Corbeau and Charbono) is a red Savoyard wine grape variety that has historically been grown in the Savoy region, but today is more widely planted in Argentina.
It arrived in Savoy in the early 19th century, and by the end of the century it was the most widely grown red wine grape in the region. It is the second most widely planted red grape in Argentina (after Malbec). The grape is also grown in California where it is known as Charbono.
In California, Bonarda/Douce noir/Charbono is produced in very limited amounts with the grape having been described as a “cult wine” for its scarcity and devotion of its connoisseurs. Charbono is not only difficult to locate but being so makes it incredibly rare with less than 7,000 acres of the ancient varietal globally.
Bonarda/Douce noir is a very late ripening grape variety that is often harvested after Cabernet Sauvignon. To extend the growing season, some vignerons will prune early in January in order to promote early bud break. The grape has very thick skins and a high phenolic content which requires heat in order to achieve physiological ripeness but excessive heat can risk creating “cooked flavors” in the resulting wines. Growers in California have discovered some of the more ideal vineyard locations for Douce noir/Charbono are warm-climate sites with significant diurnal temperature variations from a drop in night time temperature. Our block of Charbono is trained on a quad geneva cordon system with reduced spurs to intentionally reduce vigor and increase quality.
