The second Cabernet Franc released in Lang & Reed’s distinctive Monograph Collection
St. Helena, CA, January 26, 2020 – Exploring the varied charms of Cabernet Franc, Lang & Reed Napa Valley launches the second wine from their coveted Monograph Collection, 2010 ‘Franc de Pied’. With only two barrels produced, the name of this exceptional wine refers to the rare occasion that a grape variety is planted on its own roots, not grafted as clone to root stock. On rare occasions this name can be found on bottles emanating from France, the use by Lang & Reed is the first known bottling in California to carry this moniker. Reflecting unique terroir, growing seasons, and clonal selection, along with the influence of barrel regime and aging, the Lang & Reed Monograph Collection shines the light on the excellence of this noble variety. Spotlighting just that, this single lot offering of 2010 ‘Franc de Pied pairs a historical setting and a serendipitous moment of déjà vu with distinguished vineyard selection.
Franc de Pied, translated as ‘Foot of the Franc’, denotes that these vines were planted rather than grafted, a rare occurrence in renowned wine regions. Planted in the 1970’s, the High Chaparral Vineyard is located in the high-altitude region of Lake County. While walking this site in 2005, Lang & Reed’s John Skupny experienced a moment of familiarity – had he been here before? Remarking on the red soil and gently sloping plateau he realized he had walked the same rows over twenty years prior with legendary winemaker André Tchelistcheff during an educational exploration of Lake County growing sites. Not ignoring fate, the vineyard became an important component in the Lang & Reed North Coast Cabernet Franc bottling. Two barrels were held back from the blend to produce this final vintage, preserving the unique character and not-forgotten circumstance of this wine. Sadly, this vineyard eventually succumbed to the ravages of phylloxera so this two-barrel lot is the remaining testament to a very pure expression of Cabernet Franc!
Inspired by the world’s finest Cabernet Franc and passionate about its home in the Napa Valley, Winemaker John Skupny raises the bar with his exclusive Monograph Collection. Every so often, among all the wines resting in the cellar, there is one barrel or one tiny lot of Cabernet Franc that sings out as something quite stunning, almost magical, setting it apart from all the others. Wines in the Monograph Collection have a story to tell, one that is theirs and theirs alone.
About Lang & Reed Napa Valley:
One of the few wineries in Napa Valley to specialize in 100% Cabernet Franc, Lang & Reed’s wine producing Skupny family has been creating expressive wines that are enjoyable to drink since 1996. Winemaking is a form of storytelling for the Skupny family, and Lang & Reed wines tell a tale of a multi-generational family business and their wonderful wine-filled life together. With their newly opened tasting salon right off the hub of St Helena’s Main Street, Lang & Reed’s Tracey, John, Reed and Megan Skupny offer intimate, appointment-only tastings that allow visitors to get to know the family behind the brand, while they impart their affection for Cabernet Franc and Chenin Blanc. To learn more about Lang & Reed Napa Valley, 2010 ‘Franc de Pied’ and other upcoming wine releases, visit their website(https://langandreed.com/) and follow them on Instagram (@langandreed) and Facebook (@langandreed)).
