The name Colterris was derived by combining a three letter abbreviation of Colorado “Col” with the Latin word “terris” meaning  from the land.  “Colterris – from the Colorado land”.

Colterris Cabernet Franc originates primarily from grapes grown in Katie’s Vineyard on East Orchard Mesa south of Palisade located on Colorado's beautiful and picturesque Western Slope.  Situated approximately 100 feet directly above the Colorado River in the heart of the Grand Valley AVA, this unique vineyard site at 4,785 feet in elevation is protected by the foothills of the Grand Mesa immediately to the south and east and by close proximity to the Colorado River directly to the north and west.  This combination of high altitude sunlight and cool river nights produce a distinctively bold red wine, rich in color, flavor and smooth tannins.

Katie’s Vineyard is a 4.93 acre vineyard site of which 3.1 acres are planted to Bordeaux varietals.  The vineyard is currently planted with 1,016 vines of Cabernet Franc Clone 1 planted in 1989 and 2,010 vines of Malbec Clone 9 planted in 2011.  The vineyard is professionally maintained Tony Fernandez, the vineyard manager for High Country Orchards and Vineyards.  Tony has over 35 years experience in viticulture in Napa Valley, California and he continues to oversee the production of these vineyards.   

The 2010 Colterris Cabernet Franc is blended with 95% Cabernet Franc from Katie’s Vineyard and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon from Theresa’s Vineyard both located in the Grand Valley AVA.  The wine was aged in French and American oak barrels for 10 months and 290 cases of this wine were bottled in July 2011.  The wine has 14.2% alcohol, pH 3.79, and TA (titratable acidity) 6.5 g/L.