About Charnu Winery
Charnu Winery is a Napa Valley producer specializing in Bordeaux-style wines that emphasize structure, balance, and age-worthiness. The name 'Charnu' is a French wine term meaning fleshy or full-bodied, which aptly describes the house style, wines with generous fruit concentration, supple tannins, and the kind of mid-palate weight that makes each sip satisfying. The portfolio centers on Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot from premium Napa Valley sources.
Winemaking at Charnu follows classical Bordeaux principles adapted to Napa Valley's generous growing conditions. Fruit is hand-harvested, gently sorted, and cold-soaked to extract maximum color and aroma before fermentation. Aging in French oak barrels for 20-22 months develops complexity while maintaining the fruit character. The wines are blended for balance and harmony, with Merlot often contributing softness and mid-palate richness to the Cabernet-driven assemblage.
Charnu Winery welcomes visitors by appointment at their Napa location. Tastings are focused and educational, with the winemaker or knowledgeable staff guiding guests through the current releases and explaining the Bordeaux-inspired approach. The experience is well suited for wine enthusiasts who appreciate structured, food-friendly wines and who want to explore the more traditional side of Napa Valley winemaking.
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