Noted Winemaker – DAN KARLSEN
Prevoious Brands: Talbott, Chalone, Estancia, Domaine Carneros
2019 was going to be the year I didn’t get involved in winemaking. It was my 40th Harvest and I was retiring. Then, my son, Robert, introduced me to the Franscioni Family who are 4th generation farmers in the eastern bench lands of the Salinas Valley, the Gabilan Mountains. They are growers of primarily Pinot Noir and Chardonnay and wanted to develop their own wine brand.
The property is right across the valley from Talbott Vineyards and just below Chalone Vineyards. I had been winemaker at both those wineries in the past and felt very comfortable with the quality of the vineyard and the grape varietals from this specific area. Being family owned and all estate grown made for an exciting opportunity to produce high quality wine, so I jumped at the chance to get involved in the development of their brand. I am a “consultant” meaning no employees or HR stuff, just winemaking. The fun stuff
Their Chardonnay vineyard is planted on deep sandy soils exposed to the full brunt of the Salinas valley winds, truly perfect for Chardonnay, preserving fruit character and acidity. The Pinot Noir is further up Chualar Canyon and is also on Sandy Soils, but more protected from the wind. Wind toughens up the skins, which is good for Chardonnay and bad for Pinot Noir. The vineyard layout is perfect for these varietals.
The Franscioni vineyards have the right components to produce great wine, sandy homogenous soils and varietals appropriate for the site. I’m excited to be working with these vineyards going forward to my 41st Harvest.