The Insider Spill Interview...with David Francke

The President of one of Napa Valley's most iconic and venerable properties

The Insider Spill Interview is a series of short interviews with interesting people that I’ve wanted to do for a long time. The idea is simple: give all interviewees the chance to answer the same questions. You may or may not know the subjects of these interviews, but the idea is to introduce you to those you do not know and dig a little deeper into those you do know.

As president of Chappellet Vineyards, David Francke heads up one of the most venerable and iconic properties in the Napa Valley. He is a leader in the industry and the Valley based on his long experience as a management and marketing expert. David was asked to answer a question by Jimmy Kawalek, a previous subject of the Insider Spill Interview.

THE INSIDER SPILL WITH DAVID FRANCKE

1. In one short sentence, tell us what you do for a living.
I have the privilege of stewarding one of the great wine estates of the world to make sure it is healthy and thriving for the next 60 years of its existence

2. What was the specific wine that made you realize this wasn’t just a drink, but a calling?
As a student of French literature and history, I was studying in Bordeaux and met the proprietor of Chateau Raymond Lafon in Sauternes, who was also the cellarmaster at Chateau d’Yquem. I had the chance to taste the 1967 Yquem at a family celebration, and it led me to pursue a career in wine.

3. What’s one common wine “rule” or trend do you think is total marketing fluff?
I don’t like scoring scales because they lead people to dismiss their own ability to determine what they like. I try to share with consumers that we can appreciate a Picasso and a Van Gogh side-by-side without assigning a “grade” to either, and there is no judgment associated with saying that, if you have the choice, you would prefer to take one home rather than the other.

4. Forget steak and Cabernet—what is your favorite “junk food” and wine pairing?
I’m embarrassed to say this because I sound like a “homer”, but I think our Chenin Blanc is amazing and delicious with potato chips.

5. What is one thing about the wine industry that would surprise someone who only sees the “glamour”?
I don’t think consumers fully appreciate the very hard work and long hours that go into growing high-quality grapes. The people who work in the vineyard are the unsung heroes of our industry. There are lots of “unglamorous” parts of my job – I had a coworker years ago who said that every job has “shit that comes with the desk”. Think of leading any business, and you can imagine some of what that might be. That said, I don’t think anyone should feel sorry for me. I feel incredibly blessed to work for the Chappellet family at the amazing property where I work with the great people on our team.

6. It’s your final night on Earth. What are you drinking, and who are you sharing it with?
I’d like to enjoy a bottle of the 1969 Chappellet Cabernet with my family, recounting our fondest memories of time together.

7. What is a completely useless skill you possess that you are secretly very proud of?
I love doing mental math.

8. What movie or TV show have you seen multiple times and will likely watch many more times?
Casablanca – Humphrey Bogart is soooo cool in that role.

9. What is the last book you read or currently have on your nightstand?
Project Hail Mary – I found it entertaining, and it asks some hard moral/social questions (I think the movie missed some areas where the book dove deeply).

What is your favorite memory of speaking with Robert Mondavi?
He was a very inspirational and visionary man, and he was incredibly passionate. As he aged, I was amazed that none of it seemed to wane. My wife and I had dinner with Robert and Margrit after the company was acquired, and I was struck by how deeply appreciative he was of all the people who had been part of building his dream, and how he continued to look to the future, to what he would do next. It inspired me to do the same.

BONUS QUESTION: What question should I ask a future subject of The Insider Spill interview, and to whom should I pose it?
Wow, this is risky – I don’t want to put anyone on the spot, but I have great respect for Linda Reiff [of Napa Vintners] and all the work she has done to build the Napa brand. I’d love to know what she would “do over.”

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Tom Wark is the publisher of FERMENTATION, a source of commentary on the wine business that he has written since 2004. He is also the publisher of THE SPILL, a free, daily newsletter that curates the best wine content on the web. SUBSCRIBE TO THE SPILL FOR FREE.