Award-Winning Vegan, Gluten-Free Wines with No Added Sulfites
Frey Vineyards (pronounced FRY) is a third-generation family-owned winery at the headwaters of the Russian River in Mendocino County, California, established in 1980. Through minimal manipulation in the cellar, the wines are allowed to express the authentic character of the soils and climate. The organic and Biodynamic farming methods encourage care for the soil, groundwater and wildlife. Ninety percent of the land owned by Frey is held as an unspoiled natural habitat with a diverse mix of native plants and animals.
The most exciting aspect of Biodynamic winemaking is the prohibition of cultured yeast and malolactic bacteria. Malolactic fermentation involves converting malic acid into lactic acid. Frey does not utilize this process, as they do not want their wines to be manipulated to reach certain flavor profiles, preferring to allow the uniqueness of the terroir to take center stage in their wines. Another interesting aspect of Biodynamic winemaking includes composting all grape waste and using the resulting compost in the vineyards.
Organic Wine is wine with NO added sulfites. They are not allowed under the USDA National Organic Program in wine or other organic food products such as dried fruits, jams, salad dressings or juices. Synthetic sulfites added to wine are used as a mild antioxidant preservative and stabilizer. Although sulfites are typically used in small amounts by most winemakers, Frey maintains that organic red and white non-sulfited wines can last as long as those with sulfites, if made properly. They recommend that their red wines be consumed within 7 years of vintage, and the whites within 3 years. To be considered organic, wines may not have more than 10 ppm (parts per million) naturally occurring sulfite. Frey wines contain 100% organic grapes.
Frey Organic Wines are also Vegan and Gluten-Free. They use no animal or gluten-based fining agents. Since ancient times, fining agents, some of which contain gluten, have been added to a barrel or tank of wine to help clarify and stabilize the wine. Although no trace of any fining agent is found in the bottled wine, Frey believes their wines pose no problem for people with gluten allergies or celiac disease, or for people who have chosen vegan lifestyles. While farm animals are present on their property and an integral part of the sustainability of the farm, no animal byproducts ever come into contact with the fruit in the vineyard.
You asked for Vegan and no-sulfite-added wines, and we delivered! The Frey Vineyard wines listed below are available at Frank’s Port Royal location:
- Biodynamic Field Blend Red
- Organic Cabernet Sauvignon
- Organic White Agriculturist
- Organic Chardonnay
- Organic Petite Sirah
Cheers!
Hal (your wine guy at Frank’s)