Kukeri St. Helena Cabernet Franc

3 bottles for $94.99 $31.66/bottle + $2.67/bottle shipping Case of 12 for $299.99 $25/bottle + $1/bottle shipping Tasting notes & discussion 22

Typically $48/bottle
Vintage 2022 from St. Helena, Napa Valley
Available for AZ; CA; CO; DC; FL; GA; IA; ID; IL; KY; MA; MD; ME; MI; MN; MO; MT; NC; ND; NE; NH; NJ; NM; NV; NY; OR; PA; SC; SD; TN; TX; VA; WA; WI; WY
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About Kukeri: “Petar Kirilov, founder and winemaker of Kukeri Wines, grew up in Bulgaria and graduated from the prestigious University of Food Technologies with a master’s degree in winemaking. Kukeri Wines source grapes from some of the most unusual vineyards in Napa Valley and Sonoma County, treating that fruit as gently as possible to display the complexity, power, finesse, and specific terroir. Kukeri refers to a pagan Bulgarian ritual that may date back as far as 8,000 years to the ancient Thracians – and to Dionysus, the god associated with wine, fertility, and rebirth.”

Native Tungi

TASTING NOTES: “Opens with expressive aromas of wild berries, boysenberry, tobacco, and earthy spice, with hints of cedar and cocoa adding further complexity. On the palate, it is medium-bodied and well-structured, showcasing concentrated red fruit, balanced acidity, and a long, polished finish." (AbV 14.55%)

VARIETALS: 87.4% Cabernet Franc, 4.6% Cabernet Sauvignon; 4% Petit Verdot; 4% Merlot

BARRELS: Aged for 30 months on fine lees in 80% French oak and 20% American oak barrels, including 40% new French oak

PAIRS WITH: Grilled and fire-roasted meats

THAT REMINDS ME OF: The other St. Helena, the island in the South Atlantic.

One of the most remote human settlements on Earth, uninhabited until Portuguese traders stumbled across it in the 16th century. It’s a 47-square mile rock that sits 1200 miles from Africa in one direction, 2500 miles from Brazil in the other, with just a couple of other, similar flyspecks anywhere near it. It’s a sign of how feared Napoleon was that only St. Helena was considered remote enough to safely exile him to.

Their wine industry isn’t much to speak of, but the St. Helenans do produce a local spirit called Tungi, from the fruit of the prickly pear cactus. We’re guessing that it has its charms, but for tonight’s grilled steak, we might stick with this namesake wine.

Kukeri St. Helena Cabernet Franc

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