Hobo Wines Folk Machine Charbono 2020 75cl

Tasting Notes

Producer Notes

Probably since I first heard about the Slow Food Movement, I’ve liked the concept of preserving food and food culture by consuming it. In California, there are primarily three heritage grapes, Zinfandel, Valdiguié, and Charbono. Of those, Zin is pretty widely planted, but Valdiguié and Charbono are sparse and “endangered” if we don’t drink them. We’ve been producing Valdiguié for close to a decade now and I’ve had my eyes and ears open for a Charbono that we could foster.

Around the Spring of 2013, I got in touch with Brian Babcock in Suisun Valley. He had a small two-acre block of Charbono that was just a few years old after being grafted over from Merlot. I don’t think even he is sure why he chose Charbono, but we are grateful that he did. Turns out to be a great fit for the region. It is slow ripening even with the warm weather and holds acid. What more could we ask for.

20% Whole Clusters or stems were included in the uninoculated fermentation and the wine was aged in all older barrels for 10 months before bottling.

Typical for the grape, this wine is very dark in color and heavy in the nose, but it doesn’t live up to this expectation. It actually drinks very pretty, almost light. The tannin level is moderate given the way it looks and smells.

Producer

Kenny and his wife Lynne were part of the original new wave California movement at the turn of the century. Their initial concept was to “make two barrels of wine, without a plan or any responsibilities to worry about.” Fast forward 20 years and their plan is to make 1,000 barrels of wine without too much of a plan but a bunch of responsibilities. Bringing fresh, affordable and interesting wines they are a very welcome addition to the Nekter portfolio.

_{Country: USA | Region: Sonoma County, California | Alcohol: TBC | Grapes: Charbono}