Drink (and think) like a somm
Michael Shaps
Blanc de Franc
Virginia
Monticello
Cabernet Franc 100%
Almonds, Brioche, Honey, Orange blossom
18 Months
Neutral Oak
100%
ABOUT
Michael Shaps 2019 Blanc de Franc
PAIRINGS
IN A PINCH
Aged cheeses and oysters.
DEEPER DIVE
This wine truly exemplifies the benefits of using the traditional method for sparkling wine. Brioche, toast, honey, and almond flavors are prevalent from start to finish, with just a touch of citrus, apple, and cranberry to add bright fruit flavors.
It’s a medium-bodied wine, so it can pair nicely with a range of options from light appetizers to seafood main courses. Caviar on blini, smoked salmon spread on toasted crostini, or just about anything from a raw bar will pair beautifully with this wine.
STANDOUT FEATURES: Elevated acidity, bakery notes, almond finish.
PAIRING SCALE
STEER CLEAR
Anything too rich or heavy might start to overpower this wine.
CHEESE OPTIONS
Brie
Brie
Country: France
Animal: Cow
Type: Soft
Texture: Creamy
Style: Buttery, nutty, mild
Parmigiano-Reggiano
Parmigiano-Reggiano
Country: Italy
Animal: Cow
Type: Hard
Texture: Grainy
Style: Salty, tangy, milky
Chèvre
Chèvre
Country: France
Animal: Goat
Type: Soft
Texture: Creamy, crumbly
Rind: Edible
Style: Acidic, salty, tangy
RECIPE IDEAS
SERVICE
WHICH GLASSES?
Flutes and Coupes for celebratory purposes, or All-purpose to really get the aromas.
BORDEAUX
BURGUNDY
FLUTE
COUPE
ALL-PURPOSE
WHITE
DESSERT
SHOULD I DECANT THIS?
WHY “Nope”?
You can actually decant some sparkling wines, but this one was designed to be consumed right out of the bottle, and will be best poured directly into a glass.
SERVING TEMP
The correct serving temperature is important to show a wine’s true potential, but don’t stress over getting the temp exactly right. Use the chart below to try to get in the right ballpark.
AGING
WHEN SHOULD I OPEN THIS?
If a wine has been released by the producer, it means it is ready to drink. Wines don’t necessarily get “better” with age, they just change. Typically, this change involves things like losing fresh fruit flavors in exchange for more savory notes.
The moment you should open the bottle depends on your preference, so it’s more important to understand the evolution and the life span of the bottle than it is to try to time its opening perfectly. (It’s far better to open a bottle too early than too late.)
This bottle should probably be opened between:
2025 – 2030
Development
NERD STUFF
TECHNICAL NOTES
pH: 3.21
TA: 6.75 grams/L
Alc: 11.9%
RS: 0.27%
Cases Produced: 100
PRODUCER
ABOUT US
Founded in 2007, Michael Shaps Wineworks is located in the former Montdomaine Winery, twelve miles south of Charlottesville, Virginia. The original concept was to use the facility for production of the existing Michael Shaps brand of wines, and to produce a second brand called Wineworks, a more value-oriented line of Virginia wines.
Within the first year the opportunity arose to develop Virginia’s first contract winemaking operation–more commonly known as custom crush–to make wine for independent growers who want their own brand. Found in many wine regions around the world, this previously untapped market became a focus for Wineworks.
Between 2008-2014 the customer base grew to over twenty contract winemaking clients and the facility grew in size and capacity, requiring two expansions. Wineworks quickly became a regional leader for contract winemaking, serving clients from Tennessee to Delaware.
Michael ShapsWhen Michael’s founding partner left in 2014, he brought in investors to expand the winery facility to increase production capacity to 30,000 cases of wine and changed the name from Virginia Wineworks to Michael Shaps Wineworks. In 2015 the processing volume reached 430 tons (approximately 28,000 cases) and the 2017 harvest brought in over 500 tons.
OUR VINEYARDS
Our Vineyard sites have been chosen and cultivated with care, thinking about the current vintages as well as future vintages. We believe that great wines start in the field, without great fruit, we cannot achieve great wine.
HONAH LEE
Located in Gordonsville, VA, Honah Lee Vineyard is our primary vineyard site.
WILD MEADOW
Wild Meadow Vineyard has been highly acclaimed as one of the best chardonnay sites in the state.
MICHAEL SHAPS ESTATE
Michael Shaps Estate Vineyard
The Harris Creek Road property has been planted to vineyard since the early 1990s.
Interested in joining our wine club?
Membership Benefits:
- 4 shipments per year: February, May, September, December
- 30% discount on all Wine Club shipments
- 20% discount on all other wine bottle purchases–both online and in tasting rooms
- Complimentary wine tastings for two (limit 2 per membership) at the winery of either Virginia or Burgundy wines, depending on your club each time you visit the winery
- 20% off wine flights at Wineworks Extended each time you visit
- Discounted tickets to many special events
- Access to pre-release & “library” wines not available to the public
- Tickets for two (limit 2 per membership) to the quarterly Wine Club Pickup parties, held in February, May, September, December
