Ahead of the start of hockey season on October 3rd, the San Jose Sharks is launching a new wine, FINtage 408. The wine is a collaboration between the Sharks and Clos LaChance, which is just 30 minutes away in San Martin.
Clos LaChance founder Bill Murphy is a die-hard Sharks fan, and was excited to craft wines for the team, according to NHL.com. Fortunately, the 2016 growing season was excellent, making for a high-quality inaugural vintage.
At launch, there are two wines: a 2016 FINtage 408 Chardonnay and a 2016 FINtage 408 Cabernet Sauvignon. FINtage 408 Chardonnay walks the line between overly-oaked and austere. It has hints of butter, but also enough structure and acidity to balance out the creaminess. FINtage 408 Cabernet Sauvignon is a Bordeaux blend with 10% Merlot and 10% Malbec. It offers rich flavors of raspberry and molasses, making it a versatile companion for everything from braised short ribs to molten chocolate cake. Ultimately, Clos la Chance works to create wines that are more restrained and delicate than typical Calfornia-style wines.
Sharks fans can also be glad to know that Clos LaChance is a Certified Sustainable winery — in fact, one of just 141 in California. It employs water recycling, redirects water runoff to local marshlands, and helps educate the community about sustainable farming practices.
FINtage 408 will be available at the SAP Center during hockey season, as well as Bay Area restaurants and retailers. The wines are also available for $20 per bottle on Clos.com.
Photo credit: Clos la Chance