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Lingua Franca

Website: https://www.linguafranca.wine/

Lingua Franca means "a language that is adopted as a common language between speakers whose native languages are different."

The winery sits in the premium 'winemaker's country' of the Willamette Valley in Oregon and is owned by Larry Stone. Larry, who built his reputation working as a sommelier including time at Charlie Trotter's and the Rubicon family, is a nationally acclaimed wine consultant and Master of Wine. When working with Evening Land Vineyards he fell in love with the unique terroir of this beautiful land. In 2012 Larry became the owner of Janzen farm (word has it that he sold his personal collection to help fund this dream), a highly prized location situated in the Eola-Amity Hills.

A true focus of Lingua Franca is the care and love of the land. Respectful farming and an appreciation of the natural world is always at the top of Larry's priorities and his team work using low impact, biodynamic practices. In their own words: "the beginning of all great wine is a vineyard with a unique, complex and exceptional expression of place."

Dominique Lafon and Thomas Starve head the winemaking team. Dominique, a highly regarded Master of Wine and celebrated Burgundian winemaker is in the role of consultant; his portfolio of knowledge and experience shines through in the quality and elegance of the wines produced. Only native yeasts are used for fermentation, often whole cluster, there is some malolactic depending on the harvest and desired wine style and they also punch down by foot. Intuitive winemaking balanced with respect for the natural world and an abundance of expertise.

At The Oxford Wine Company we list the Avni Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Both bottles showcase the mineral rich soils of Avni and have a beautiful expression of fruit, the pinot noir showing great potential for bottle aging. Lingua Franca have rustled great excitement within the industry - and we are definitely part of the fan group.