Charbono
I love trying new varietals and stepping outside my norm. Over the summer a friend and I were dining at Midtown 115 in Raleigh and came across a Charbono from Robert (Bob) Foley. A big fan of his we had to try and must say, glad we did!
With my interest more geared towards California wines and Robert Foley being in Napa it was interesting to learn that although this grape is grown in California it is not very common. The grape is most commonly grown in Argentina where it is known as Bonarda but thought to have originated in France. In the late 70’s Inglenook in Napa was a big producer of Charbono but over time the varietal disappeared. I am not sure exactly how it made its surface here but I believe right now there are around 80 acres of Charboro fruit in all of California and shrinking. I am curious as to why because personally, I found tis a delight to drink.Is it a difficult grape to grow or just not an interest in this lonely deep purple grape.
So who in California makes a Charbono? Well Robert Foley for one in addition to Summers Winery in Calistoga, Shypoke in Calistoga, Duxoup in Healdsburg, Turley, and Pacific Star to name the few I am aware of. When looking who else makes this varietal I noticed that many use Charbono as a blending grape.
Then just the other day while at a friend’s house in Napa she pops open a Charboro from Casa Nuestra in St Helena, reminding me of my fondness for this wine.
Charbono is a deep dark red wine full of wild berry aromas and for me a nice soft and round finish. When I pour this wine I see the color of a plum. It’s a medium to high bodied red and will cellar very well, at least 20 years. Bottom line, delicious! Find some and let me know what you think. Cheers!
Casa Nuestra Charbono
