Reciprocity: A Philosophy in Equal Parts
Reciprocity: the practice of exchanging things with others for mutual benefit. You might see it in the image of yin and yang, a testament to balance and fairness. It's a fundamental principle that underlies our economy, our closest relationships, and the fabric of human interaction. In wine, most blends allow one grape to dominate. Here, we aim to explore the gifts that an equal share can reveal.
"The two wines in question, Carmenère and Cabernet Franc, work really well together. And in equal proportions, there is a certain je ne sais quoi that is undeniable," says Bart. On the palate, these traits can be broken down into specific chemical structures and theoretical flavor complementarities. But sometimes these technicalities fail to address the words, or rather, the feelings, that truly move us. In the way that balance, commonality, and completeness converge, a particular feeling came to mind.
"The give and take reminded me of a reciprocal relationship... kind of like what a marriage should be. That's why we named this wine 'Reciprocity,'" Bart explains.
Roots in Obscurity, Freedom in Innovation
The history of these two grapes runs deep, with an important thread being their long history of obscurity, especially in the Old World. What does it mean for these varieties to be blended together as equals? Constrained by tradition, weather, and hierarchical customs in their homeland, in Washington they are free to reinvent themselves, a creative act of risk-taking that forges new connections where none existed before. Not unlike the cycles in our own lives, it feels bold at first, but it's a tale that mirrors our most intimate experiences.
Both Carmenère and Cabernet Franc carry rich histories. Carmenère, from the word carmin (crimson), originated in Bordeaux as one of the region's original six grape varieties. In the late 1800s, vine rot and a devastating disease phylloxera, caused by excess moisture, wiped out nearly all the Carmenère in France. Nearly, because although they thought the grape extinct, some vines had survived by passing as Merlot due to their similar appearance.
Unbeknownst to anyone, the grape had made its way to Chile, where the dry, rot-free environment allowed it to flourish unhindered. DNA testing later revealed that what they thought was a late-ripening Merlot was something entirely different: Carmenère. A grape that speaks to our love of resilience.
Cabernet Franc tells a different but thematically similar story. Much older than its Bordeaux sibling, Cab Franc is an ancient variety and the biological parent of both Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Though classically used primarily as a blending grape, in recent years it has begun stepping into the spotlight as an elegant and aromatic choice in its own right.
Both grapes have spent much of their lives in obscurity or as outsiders, rich in history with their roots in Bordeaux, yet often lacking the spotlight enjoyed by so many other varieties.
Washington: The Perfect Stage
Washington serves as the ideal stage for these wines to make names for themselves. The Carmenère from Rattlesnake Hills and the Cabernet Franc from Horse Heaven Hills showcase some of the best the Columbia Valley region has to offer. But what does that really mean?
Washington is the second-largest wine producer in the United States, yet when people are asked about Washington wine, not much comes to mind. Mention California, and they immediately think of standout wines like Cabernet Sauvignon or Chardonnay. Even in smaller regions like Oregon, many think of Pinot Noir and may lump Washington in simply due to proximity.
The answer lies precisely within this uncertainty. Washington wine is extremely diverse, you never know what you're going to discover. There's no place more perfect for a wine like this, produced by a winery whose mission is to broaden your palate. Washington is a landscape that welcomes the unusual, embodying the philosophy: "Old World roots, New World reimagining."
The Art of Equal Partnership
Creating a 50/50 blend leaves much open to interpretation. Blends often emerge intentionally as a way to compensate for a particular grape's shortcomings, usually with one variety taking the lead. Blending, then, becomes a revealing measure of how deeply a winemaker understands their craft.
Throughout most of the year, much of our portfolio consists of pure, 100% varietal wines. This is an intentional choice, reflecting our immense appreciation for the work our grape growers do. "What the ground and grapes give me to work with is reflected in the final product and styling," as Bart puts it.
Carrying this perspective into our blending has created an opportunity for discovery and creativity while keeping the grapes at the forefront, showcasing excellence from Washington State. Asked about his approach, Bart's attitude is simple: "You never know until you try... Make something no one else will ever be able to duplicate."
In Reciprocity, we find not just a wine, but a philosophy, one that celebrates partnership over dominance, innovation over tradition, and the beautiful uncertainty that comes from taking risks in pursuit of something truly unique.
