# Dutchess Hill Cabernet Franc (2024)

- **Producer:** Dutchess Hill Wines
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Cabernet Franc
- **Region:** New York, United States
- **Style:** Natural
- **Alcohol:** 12.5%
- **Average price:** €36
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 14–16 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** raspberry, cherry, plum, bell pepper, herbaceous, cedar

## About this wine

Dutchess Hill was founded by Sarah Saper and Leonardo DiVincenzo after acquiring farmland in New York's Hudson Valley dedicated to sustainable agriculture. To bring their vision of natural cool-climate wines to life, they collaborated with Nicola Reginaldi, a low-intervention winemaker from Abruzzo's Cantina Indigeno. The estate focuses on Cabernet Franc, recognized as the premier red variety suited to New York's cooler growing climate.

## Interesting facts

- Created in collaboration with Nicola Reginaldi of Italy's famed Cantina Indigeno estate.
- Uses a blend of French, Loire, and Italian Cabernet Franc vine clones.
- Utilizes semi-carbonic maceration to accentuate vibrant fruit and lower heavy tannin extraction.

## Food pairing

The bright acidity, moderate tannin structure, and savory herbal notes of this cool-climate Cabernet Franc match ideally with lean proteins, earthy herbs, and tomato-based or mushroom dishes. The semi-carbonic fruitiness complements roasted meats without overpowering lighter dishes.

## Wine making process

Hand-harvested grapes comprising a mix of French, Loire, and Italian Cabernet Franc clones undergo a two-week semi-carbonic maceration. Following maceration, 75% of the fermentation completes in stainless steel tanks to preserve fresh fruit character, while 25% finishes in wood vessels. The wine is bottled with minimal intervention, unfiltered, and with minimal added sulfites.