Salton Winery Intenso Cabernet Franc 2020

Located in the Serra Gaúcha mountains, in the heart of Rio Grande do Sul state, the Vinícola Salton vineyard benefits from a humid subtropical climate characterized by moderate temperature variations and cooler nights at higher altitudes. The plots dedicated to Cabernet Franc are situated on well-drained hillsides with predominantly clay-gravel soils, promoting optimal grape ripening while preserving their freshness. This historic region of Brazilian viticulture combines family traditions with modern techniques to produce expressive and balanced red wines.

Made from carefully selected Cabernet Franc grapes, this wine is produced by Vinícola Salton using classic red winemaking methods. This includes alcoholic fermentation in tanks with skin contact to extract color and structure, followed by malolactic fermentation to soften the tannins. The wine is then aged in tanks and barrels to preserve the fruit while adding aromatic complexity and balance, before bottling at the estate.

This wine reveals notes of ripe red and black fruits and plum , complemented by floral touches reminiscent of violet, as well as spicy and slightly peppery nuances. Oak and vanilla accents from aging add complexity and depth. On the palate, the wine is supple, with a velvety texture, balanced acidity, moderate tannins, and a medium-length, harmonious, and pleasant finish.

Brazil's vineyards were born in the south of the country with the arrival of the first settlers fleeing Madeira and the Azores in 1532. It was in 1825, after the country's independence, that the Brazilian wine trade developed. German immigrants were the first to plant vines, followed by the Portuguese, then the French and Italians. Devastated in the 19th century by diseases thriving in the humid Atlantic climate, the European grape varieties were replaced by resistant North American varieties. These still cover 80% of the vineyard area but are falling out of favour. Over the past ten years or so, a new generation of winegrowers making terroir-driven wines has been bringing a breath of creativity. The country has a less formal approach to wine, less strict regulations and a vast territory to explore, all of which fire the imagination of its winemakers. It is hard to define the style of Brazilian wines because they mirror the country: multicultural. The sheer size of the territory means a great variety of soils and microclimates, which give the wines their diversity and point to huge potential in terms of quality.