.Acaibo vineyard in the Chalk Hillside appellation is actually a key that makes you desire to spill the beans. So we performed. Acaibo winery is actually the type of key that creates you desire to spill the grains.
A little-known jewel in the heart of the Chalk Hillside title near Windsor, this French family-owned winery relies exclusively on word-of-mouth for advertising– which appears to match the proprietors only alright.Maybe it’s because they possess their palms complete with four historic chu00e2teaux in Bordeaux, creating Acaibo simply the respite they require.The story.Acaibo was actually founded through Gonzague Lurton and Claire Villars-Lurton, a couple who both hail from famous fourth-generation wine making families in Bordeaux, France. With each other, they own and manage 4 chu00e2teaux in the location, consisting of Chu00e2teau Durfort-Vivens, Chu00e2teau Ferriu00e8re, Chu00e2teau La Gurgue as well as Chu00e2teau Haut-Bages Libu00e9ral.In 2012, both set their sights on Sonoma Area, where they obtained a 24-acre residential or commercial property in the Chalk Hill designation. Their chance was to exhibit their French winegrowing sensibilities in an area for expedition.Named Trinitu00e9 Real estate– a nod to the Lurtons’ three children, three Grand Cru Classu00e9s (premier) chateaux, the Bordeaux emblem’s three crescents and the Acaibo’s 3 varietal mix– the property is actually grown specifically to Bordeaux ranges.While the vineyard isn’t approved all natural, the company uses organic farming concepts as well as is actually working toward qualification.
In France, Villars-Lurton is actually a major proponent of biodynamic farming as well as cultural farming, so I am actually enthusiastic the Lurtons will follow through with natural certification.In 2019, the Kincade Fire ruined a notable section of the vineyard, but the Lurtons have actually been actually vigilantly replanting the home with the help of winemaker and winery supervisor Nicolas Vonderheyden.Washington D.C.-born as well as Bordeaux-raised, Vonderheyden is in charge of Acaibo’s clean, restrained, French-style red wines that vocalize with vigor and also peace of mind.The ambiance.If you’re searching for an elaborate French chu00e2teaux, this is not the spot for you. Rather, Acaibo offers a tasting knowledge suffused with refined rusticity in a way simply the French and Sonoma County may give.After a strolling tour of the property vineyards (sturdy footwear motivated), visitors appreciate gun barrel samples in the basement just before heading to the aged barn for red wine sampling. Strong chairs offer communal sampling around bench, along with possibilities that consist of a selection of Acaibo wines ($ 30) or those coming from the Lurtons’ Bordeaux estates ($ 40).On the palate.Presently, Acaibo generates concerning 1,000 cases of white wine per year with a pay attention to singular Bordeaux varietals as well as the brand’s trademark mixture.Acaibo’s wine type is distinctly French.
On a latest visit, the GC 2023 Sauvignon Blanc ($ 35) was clean as well as racy, with vivid notes of grapefruit, lemon and lime.An unpredicted preference was the pale GC 2023 Orange White Wine ($ forty five), with its own exotic flower smells as well as tidy, however marvelously sophisticated, taste. Sauvignon Blanc fermented on the skins for 2 months, it is actually a welcome addition to orange white wines in the New Planet.The GC 2020 Lurton Malbec ($ 50) was distinctly extra-delicious amongst the reds– along with notes of delicious chocolate, black plums and also a structure of minerality.A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc as well as Merlot, Acaibo’s signature 2017 red mixture ($ 65) was structured and also complex– but French enough to remain refined– with dark fruits and company tannins that are going to make it possible for the white wine to age for at the very least a many years.Past liquors.Sales manager Pascal Guerlou is actually a practiced host as well as tour guide. His fresh baked jewels (his own recipe) and also considerately equipped cheese and charcuterie panels are an appreciated feature here– and the best accompaniment to Acaibo’s Bordeaux-style glass of wines.You can easily reach out to Workers Article writer Sarah Doyle at 707-521-5478 or even sarah.doyle@pressdemocrat.com.
Comply With Sarah on Instagram at @whiskymuse.