The Ferrari-Carano North Coast Fume Blanc 2023 is a wine I found for $10.99, and it received 92 points from a major wine critic.
The Story
Ferrari-Carano was founded in 1981 by Don and Rhonda Carano. It is a beautiful estate in Northern Sonoma, and they produced consistently excellent wines. After Don Carano passed away a few years ago, the wine estate was purchased by Foley Family Wine and Spirits, who offer an outstanding line of wines and brands.
What is Fumé Blanc? It is a Bordeaux-style Sauvignon Blanc that is oak barrel-aged. The typical value of Sauvignon Blanc is fermented and aged in stainless steel vats. Oak barrels are often used in Bordeaux (but not always) for Bordeaux Blanc, which is Sauvignon Blanc blended with a smaller percentage of Semillon.
So, Fumé Blanc refers to oak barrel-aged Sauvignon, but that isn’t universal. Fumé is French for smoky, and Blanc is white..
The Ferrari-Carano North Coast Fume Blanc 2023 is sourced from grapes farmed in Sonoma, as well as other North Coast AVAs. 2023 had a cool and long growing season, the final harvest was not until October 26.
This Sauvignon Blanc was both fermented and aged in either stainless steel vats (70%) or (30%) in older French oak barrels. Older barrels have little flavor to impart into the wine, but an oak barrel allows small amounts of oxygen to interact with the wine, while stainless steel is air-tight.
The Ferrari-Carano North Coast Fume Blanc 2023 was aged “sur lees,” which indicates that the dead yeast and grape residue from the fermentation process remain with the wine. If the lees are stirred, the wine takes on a creamy texture. Here, the wine was stirred every other week for two months.
The alcohol content is 13.9%.
The Ferrari-Carano North Coast Fume Blanc 2023 Tasting Notes
The color is sunshine yellow. The nose is tropical fruit, peach, lemon, apple, soft spice, and a floral halo. Ferrari-Carano North Coast Fume Blanc 2023 is a firm, well-structured wine with a pleasing flavor.
This Sauvignon Blanc tastes like a compote of tropical fruit, peach, pear, lime, and lemon. There is a light, creamy texture from the stirred lees, and a finish of nectarine and coconut milk.
The acidity is nicely managed, allowing the flavors and structure to fully unfold.
The Summary
- The Ferrari-Carano North Coast Fume Blanc 2023 is really good. If I had known, I would have tried it way before this.
- Well-made and full of delicious flavor, this Sauvignon Blanc is a winner.
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