Winemaker Notes
In Champagne, Blanc de Blancs is considered the most challenging to make yet the most coveted. In California, Blanc de Blancs is known as one of the most versatile sparkling wines due to its lively acidity. This acidity comes from using only Chardonnay, hence the "white of white" translation of its name. The bright citrus flavor on the mid-palate with a slight toasty finish is a match for grilled chicken glazed with orange and ginger. For the dessert course, try Meyer lemon mousse with ripe raspberries. Add toasted Marcona almonds and dried mango to a cheese board, along with triple cream cheeses such as cambozola, Brie, or La Tur. Best enjoyed chilled in a white wine glass.
Critical Acclaim
All Vintages
Known for elegant wines that combine power and finesse, Carneros is set in the rolling hills that straddle the southernmost parts of both Sonoma and Napa counties. The cooling winds from the abutting San Pablo Bay, combined with lots of midday California sunshine, create an ideal environment for producing wines with a perfect balance of crisp acidity and well-ripened fruit.
This cooler pocket of California lends itself to growing Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah. Carneros is an important source of sparkling wines made in the style of Champagne as well.
A term typically reserved for Champagne and Sparkling Wines, non-vintage or simply “NV” on a label indicates a blend of finished wines from different vintages (years of harvest). To make non-vintage Champagne, typically the current year’s harvest (in other words, the current vintage) forms the base of the blend. Finished wines from previous years, called “vins de reserve” are blended in at approximately 10-50% of the total volume in order to achieve the flavor, complexity, body and acidity for the desired house style. A tiny proportion of Champagnes are made from a single vintage.
There are also some very large production still wines that may not claim one particular vintage. This would be at the discretion of the winemaker’s goals for character of the final wine.