01.06.22
After making Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon for four decades, we’ve learned a few things about crafting wines that endure – and even transform – over the course of 10, 20, 30 years and beyond. It’s why we launched the Far Niente Cave Collection in the 1980s, and why we remain one of the only North American wineries to have a dedicated library program like the Cave Collection.
So, what, exactly, makes a Cabernet age-worthy (hint: it starts with legendary Oakville, Napa Valley vineyards)? From excellent raw materials to exacting bottling standards, Winemaker Nicole Marchesi breaks it all down below. Read on to hear what she has to say. Then mark your calendars for the January 17 release from Far Niente's Cave Collection. This year’s allocation is one of our most limited to date, with less than 100 bottles available for our most sought-after vintages.
"Although there are dozens of qualities we look for in our vineyards and wines," Nicole says, "the following four traits are essential.
Assuming you’ve got the vineyard to grow the raw material with the great tannin, color and acidity (and that you don’t over – or under – do it with oak), what steps are required in the winery to ensure your wines retain these qualities? There are the basics – possessing a sound knowledge of winemaking, maintaining great equipment, employing that top notch barrel program. At Far Niente, we also take some subtle steps that we believe help a wine not only survive but also improve over time. Below, are three we consider to be key,
Of course, even when you hold your team to the most exacting standards, the key to making a wine that not only holds up, but also beautifully transforms, over time extends beyond great science and good housekeeping.
That’s the elusive magic of wine, isn’t it?"
07.29.19
Non-malolactic fermentation. Although the phrase doesn’t roll easily off the tongue, Chardonnays made without it certainly can. And it’s essential to our Far Niente Chardonnay house style.
LEARN MORE03.08.22
Meet Six Women Shaping the Far Niente Family of Wineries & Vineyards.
Two winemakers. One CFO. Two VPs. And the woman who helped launch Far Niente more than 40 years ago. In celebration of Women’s History Month, we sat down to talk with just a few of the women shaping the way we grow, make, sell and share our wines. From the cellar to the board room, these daring innovators and leaders share a passion for human connection and a sense of adventure.
LEARN MORE01.06.22
In anticipation of our annual Cave Collection release, we sat down with Winemaker Nicole Marchesi to talk about Far Niente's Cave Collection and the keys to making age-worthy Napa Valley Cabernet. Read on to hear what she has to say. Then mark your calendars for the January 17 release from Far Niente's Cave Collection. This year’s allocation is one of our most limited to date, with less than 100 bottles available for our most sought-after vintages.
"Each vintage is our opportunity to make our greatest wine. It's what inspires us in the vineyard and winery."
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