2018 Frank Family Vineyards Chiles Valley Reserve Zinfandel

Frank Family Vineyards was founded in 2007 when former Disney executive Rich Frank purchased the Kornell Champagne Cellars in Calistoga, Napa Valley. The winemaker is Todd Graff, who worked in Europe and at such Napa Valley estates as Stag’s Leap and Schramsberg before joining Frank Family Vineyards. The winery’s nearly 200 acres of vineyards our located in Rutherford, Carneros and just east of the Vaca Mountain range. The locations are among the most prestigious in the area. Frank Family produces Chardonnay, Zinfandel and Pinot Noir, but is best known for its Cabernet Sauvignons, including some highly limited production Cabs that are made available only to the estate’s mailing list.

Chiles Valley District AVA lies within the Napa Valley AVA. Chiles Valley includes 6,000 square acres total, with 1,000 square acres of vineyards. Thanks to its location in the Vaca Mountains on the northeastern edge of Napa Valley, Chiles Valley, at 600 to 1,200 feet above sea level, has a cooler climate that the Napa Valley floor. Along with its relatively high altitude, Chiles Valley’s location as the most eastern of Napa Valley’s sub appellations means that Chiles has more of a continental weather pattern than a maritime pattern. Days can be hot and night much cooler. The AVA earned official designation in 1999 and its vineyards are primarily planted to Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and Zinfandel. Chiles Valley was named for Joseph Ballinger Chiles, who received a land grant for much of the area in 1841.

Zinfandel is a black-skinned grape, but 85% of the wine produced is made into a rosy “White Zinfandel.” Red Zin is far more complex and bold, while still being light-bodied. It grows in popularity as winemakers continue to experiment with new styles and blends.