aridus Winery
2022 Aridus Wine Company Cabernet Franc and Beef Fajitas
The Wine – “Wine is bottled Poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The 2022 Aridus Cabernet Franc when the cork was opened had a bold aroma of black plum, violets and black pepper. Seldom does a Cabernet Franc provide such a grand entrance into senses when just opened!
On the eyes a very deep ruby color and medium-full viscosity. On the palate black cherry, dark plum, toasted spices provided a confluence of delicious enjoyment. On the finish, a distinct earthiness along with moderate tannins concluded each sip. It was a bit paradoxical between being bold and brawny and yet refined, with both flavors vying for attention. The wine tasting notes mention it is as “untamed” but that is a bit too harsh. A very solid and enjoyable wine.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The wine is listed at $65/bottle and came in at 14.4% alcohol. This is noted as a limited production.
The Food and Wine Pairing – “Food without wine is a corpse; wine without food is a ghost. United and well matched, they are as body and soul: living partners” – Andre Simon
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Dinner with this wine was with beef fajitas. The flank steak was tenderized and then marinated along with sliced orange, green and yellow bell peppers and sliced onion. The marinate consisted of olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, fresh squeezed lime juice, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, red pepper flakes, kosher salt, black pepper and sugar. The meat and vegetables were cooked in a skillet on the stove. Served with warm flour tortillas and refried beans, optional toppings of salsa, cheese and sour cream were available.
The Cabernet Franc was very well matched with the savory and spiced beef. The herbaceous and peppery notes of the Cabernet Franc complimented the onions, tomato-based salsa and bell peppers. The moderate acidity cut nicely through the beef and tempered tannins embraced the spices, lime and salsa. The fruit and earthiness of the Aridus Cabernet Franc was an excellent pairing.
The Winery
Photo from Aridus Wine Company
I recently visited Aridus in Willcox at their tasting room. This was one of the key appointments on my itinerary for this trip. Previous stories I had written have been on their Syrah and Graciano with the Graciano making my annual list of Best Wines tasted in 2024.
Met with Jef Steben, their winemaker for the last two and a half years with Scott Dahmer, the winery owner. We met at their standalone tasting room at 145 N Railroad Ave in Willcox, AZ. They also have another beautiful tasting room in Scottsdale, AZ at 7173 E Main St. which I have visited a few times.
Photo from Aridus Wine Company
The discussion then centered on Jef’s enology degree from UC Davis in Fermentation Science and subsequent work experience at various wineries. Jef is an extremely experienced winemaker and knowledgeable in his craft. Scott mentioned that the vineyard was planted in 2015 in white wines and in 2018 they introduce their red vines. Today on the 40-acre land, they have 33 acres planted in vineyards in mostly volcanic composition soil. The vineyard is approximately 5,200 feet elevation and is one of the highest if not the highest in Willcox AVA. Being at this altitude provides a cooler climate than the bench (valley) of between 10-15 degrees.
We went through a “limited tasting” by my desire, due to timing and wanting to narrow the scope of wines to be tasted. Currently in their lineup they have the following white wines: Malvasia Bianco, Oasis (blend), Sauvignon Blanc, Scott’s Chardonnay and Viognier. The red wine line up is more extensive with Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Petite Sirah, Syrah, Tempranillo, Graciano Port and a BBB Word Unsaid.
I left Aridus Wine Company very impressed and desiring to taste their entire lineup. On my next visit this is on the agenda.
Sláinte,
Michael Kelly
https://californiawinesandwineries.com