Franciscan Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2023

Viticulture

The grapes for this wine were sourced from the sunny vineyards of the Central Valley and the cool vineyards of the Central Coast. During the 2023 growing season, cool conditions persisted throughout spring and summer, extending the time the grapes spent on the vines. As a result, the grapes showed exceptional ripeness with vibrant flavor characteristics and optimal balance.

Vinification

After harvest, the grapes went straight to press, before being cold-settled. To capture the most fruit-forward expression of Sauvignon Blanc, we prolonged fermentation before racking off heavy lees. The final blend was composed just before bottling, allowing flavors and textures to come together harmoniously before release.

Tasting notes

A bright bursts of grapefruit slices and lime zest on the palate. Refreshing layers of green apple with a touch of snipped greens lead to a long, clean finish. 

Pairing

Enjoy this crisp wine with mushroom risotto, shrimp on fresh greens dressed with herbed olive oil and lemon.

Winery Description

California wine with a Napa soul

Franciscan Estate was founded in 1973 by a group of San Franciscans who set out to turn their passion for wine into a business. However, they soon discovered that winemaking was far less glamorous—and far more challenging—than they expected. In 1975, they sold the winery to Justin Meyer and Ray Duncan, the duo who were also launching Silver Oak at the time.

In 1985, Agustín Huneeus took over leadership of Franciscan Estate. Huneeus, who had previously built Concha y Toro into one of Chile’s most successful wineries, revitalized Franciscan by focusing on high-quality grape growing, investing in vineyard replantings and other improvements. Under his guidance, Franciscans’ reputation grew quickly.

That same year, Huneeus—alongside Napa icons Robert Mondavi and Joseph Phelps—spearheaded an ambitious effort to showcase California’s first red wine blends made from the traditional Bordeaux varieties. This pioneering initiative became known as the Meritage Movement and laid the foundation for many of Napa Valley’s acclaimed blends still enjoyed today.

Over the past five decades, Franciscan has earned a reputation for crafting bold, smooth, fruit-forward wines—including Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc—that honor its classic roots while appealing to modern tastes. The brand remains committed to flavor-driven elegance, guided by the philosophy of “letting the fruit speak for itself.”

While Napa Valley will always be central to Franciscan’s story, the brand has since evolved into a California-designated winery. This transition allows Franciscan to source from some of the finest growing regions across the state, ensuring both consistency and accessibility while carrying forward its Napa-inspired style and spirit.