Dance France 2024
VARIETY 96% Barbera, 4% Syrah
BRIX at Harvest 23.2
PH at Harvest 3.34
LOCATION Walnut Grove, Arizona
VINEYARD Hassayampa Vineyard and Farm
SOIL TYPE Alluvial deposits of volcanic and sedimentary minerals
PRODUCTION 54 cases
ALCOHOL 13%
LABEL Vintage photo of François Geis with Dance France models
Vineyard
Hassayampa Vineyard & Farm was established in 2012 on 140 acres along the Hassayampa River near Kirkland, Arizona. The property consists of a farmstead cheese creamery, a 12 acre vineyard, a fruit and nut orchard, and several acres of pastures for their Jersey cow herd. They use sustainable grape growing practices that include Integrated Pest Management, OMRI (organic) approved pesticides, cover cropping, and minimal tillage. The Grapes
The Barbera vines are grown in the high desert, 3,800 feet above sea level near the Hassayampa River. Alluvial deposits of volcanic and sedimentary minerals combined with extreme diurnal shifts of hot days and cool nights allow the grapes to preserve aromas and natural acidity.Vinification
The Barbera grapes were hand picked with the help of friends before being transported to Bodega Pierce in Clarkdale, Arizona for vinification. The whole cluster grapes were directly pressed upon arrival at the winery and fermented with native yeasts in a stainless steel tank and left to age for ~7 months on the and fine lees. Racked once before bottling with 5 gallons of Red Tree Ranch Syrah added to get some more color into the wine. Unfined, unfiltered with 20 PPM of added SO2 a week before bottling.Expression
Bright strawberry and rhubarb on the nose, with a warm dusty earthiness and standout minerality. Tastes balanced, juicy, and tart, like fresh-picked berries with a crisp, velvety finish. It’s vibrant yet chill, almost like sipping summer in a glass.