2021 Outward Curtis Vineyard Cabernet Franc Santa Ynez Valley, USA Avant Garde

Curtis Vineyard is located in the heart of the Santa Ynez Valley along Foxen Canyon Road and is situated on a small plateau.

The climate is slightly warmer than some of the more coastal sites within Santa Barbara County, however, it still benefits immensely from the regulating force and influence of the ocean. The warmer climate allows for the superior ripening of Bordeaux and Rhone varietals, but still allows them to retain their acidity, due to extreme diurnal temperature shifts.

The 2021 Cabernet Franc was harvested on October 1, 2021. The wine spent 21 days on the skins with 50% whole cluster inclusion, and underwent a native yeast fermentation.

No punch-downs were performed and only gentle pour-overs were practiced for cap management in order to encourage carbonic maceration character in the whole clusters. After fermentation, the wine was basket pressed and aged in neutral French oak barrels. Minimal sulfur was added for stability before bottling without fining or filtration in June 2022.

tasting notes & pairings

This Cab Franc offers lively fruit character as well as nice savory, pyrazine aromas with hints of green peppercorn, black currant, and mineral, complemented by lively pomegranate and berry fruit from the whole cluster carbonic portion. The wine is savory and spicy, yet fruit-driven on the palate with supple tannins, and a lengthy finish that will make you want to keep going back.

Drink this Cabernet Franc slightly chilled and enjoy with roasted winter squashes, lasagna, grilled eggplant, and your favorite bbq’d meats and veggies.

Winemaker’s Note