The warm, sun-filled afternoons and cool nights of dry creek valley foster the ripe flavors and plush tannins that we love in our merlot grapes. . Our dry creek valley merlot has aromas and flavors of red licorice and blackberry that meld with hints of toasted oak, milk chocolate and roasted coffee.
For our Dry Creek Valley Merlot, we crushed the Merlot grapes together with Petite Sirah to achieve dark fruit flavors and enhance the tannic structure in the wine. The grapes were cold soaked to extract vivid color and flavor. The wine underwent malolactic fermentation and was aged on fine lees to soften the mouthfeel. Our Merlot was aged for seven months in a combination of French and American oak barrels to impart notes of chocolate and vanilla in the finished wine.
About Frei Brothers
Frei Brothers Sonoma Reserve has been a part of the fabric of Sonoma County for over a century. After coming to California from his native Switzerland, founder Andrew Frei first established vineyards in the Dry Creek Valley in 1890. His two sons, Walter and Louis, eventually took over and adopted the name Frei Brothers. They successfully ran the winery for over 70 years.
The beautiful Frei Brothers vineyards caught the eye of Julio Gallo soon after the repeal of Prohibition. He began using the site as a vineyard source for the rapidly growing E. & J. Gallo Winery. Once Walter and Louis had both retired in the late 1970s, the Gallo family purchased Frei Ranch. They have since further developed the vineyard to become what it is today.
Our long history in Sonoma County has allowed us to form long-lasting connections with our growers — some relationships dating back as much as 70 years. Among these partners are some of Sonoma County’s oldest winegrowing families, farmers who have been cultivating their vineyards and perfecting their techniques over generations. Led by our passionate winegrower, Scott Johnsen, we work hand in hand with our vineyard managers and growers to select the best sites for each of our varieties. The result is exceptional fruit grown in its ideal place, which allows our winemakers to craft complex wines with immense clarity of flavor.
We are proud to have had such an enduring history in Sonoma. We know that for our story to continue for generations to come, we must do all we can to care for the land. For this reason we have been using earth-friendly farming practices for over three decades. Our commitment to caring for the earth and years of experience in Sonoma County come together in producing award-winning wines.
The warm, sun-filled afternoons and cool nights of dry creek valley foster the ripe flavors and plush tannins that we love in our merlot grapes. . Our dry creek valley merlot has aromas and flavors of red licorice and blackberry that meld with hints of toasted oak, milk chocolate and roasted coffee.
For our Dry Creek Valley Merlot, we crushed the Merlot grapes together with Petite Sirah to achieve dark fruit flavors and enhance the tannic structure in the wine. The grapes were cold soaked to extract vivid color and flavor. The wine underwent malolactic fermentation and was aged on fine lees to soften the mouthfeel. Our Merlot was aged for seven months in a combination of French and American oak barrels to impart notes of chocolate and vanilla in the finished wine.
About Frei Brothers
Frei Brothers Sonoma Reserve has been a part of the fabric of Sonoma County for over a century. After coming to California from his native Switzerland, founder Andrew Frei first established vineyards in the Dry Creek Valley in 1890. His two sons, Walter and Louis, eventually took over and adopted the name Frei Brothers. They successfully ran the winery for over 70 years.
The beautiful Frei Brothers vineyards caught the eye of Julio Gallo soon after the repeal of Prohibition. He began using the site as a vineyard source for the rapidly growing E. & J. Gallo Winery. Once Walter and Louis had both retired in the late 1970s, the Gallo family purchased Frei Ranch. They have since further developed the vineyard to become what it is today.
Our long history in Sonoma County has allowed us to form long-lasting connections with our growers — some relationships dating back as much as 70 years. Among these partners are some of Sonoma County’s oldest winegrowing families, farmers who have been cultivating their vineyards and perfecting their techniques over generations. Led by our passionate winegrower, Scott Johnsen, we work hand in hand with our vineyard managers and growers to select the best sites for each of our varieties. The result is exceptional fruit grown in its ideal place, which allows our winemakers to craft complex wines with immense clarity of flavor.
We are proud to have had such an enduring history in Sonoma. We know that for our story to continue for generations to come, we must do all we can to care for the land. For this reason we have been using earth-friendly farming practices for over three decades. Our commitment to caring for the earth and years of experience in Sonoma County come together in producing award-winning wines.
