Golden State Sparklers Give Us Lots to Toast.
by Courtney Cochran
With all the fuss made over Champagne it's easy to overlook California's many outstanding sparkling wines. That's right - our very own Golden State boasts numerous cool coastal microclimates ideally suited to bubbly production, enabling a handful of producers to make world-class sparklers that rival their French counterparts, right here in our own backyard.
Read on for the 411 on some of the state's top bubbly producers, so you can enjoy the spoils of fabulous sparklers, without booking a trans-Atlantic flight..
Domaine Carneros
Founded by venerable
Champagne house Taittinger, Domaine Carneros takes its name from the
Carneros AVA (American Viticultural Area) it calls home. Cool winds
from the nearby San Pablo Bay cool the area considerably at night,
creating an ideal climate for growing sparkling wine grapes on the
rolling hills that surround the striking winery. Don't miss: the spot's signature cheese and caviar pairing.
1240 Duhig Rd., Napa, CA 94559 * (800) 716-2788 * domaine.com
Domaine Chandon
The
foliage-draped archway that ushers visitors into Domaine Chandon is one
of the most breathtaking winery entrances in Napa, and the spot's
sparkling wines are equally dramatic. Founded in the early 70s by
France's Moët-Hennessey, Chandon was the first California producer to
use the traditional "méthode champenoise" for sparkling wine
production. Don't miss: Chandon's award-winning four-star restaurant, l'étoile.
One California Dr., Yountville, CA 94599 * (707) 944-2280 * chandon.com
Gloria Ferrer
Spain's
Ferrer family - owners of Cava powerhouse Freixenet - founded Gloria
Ferrer in 1991 just south of the town of Sonoma in the rolling hills of
Carneros. It's hard to miss the grand mission revival-style winery
perched high atop a hill, and visitors who make the winding drive up to
the visitor center are rewarded with warm hospitality alongside
award-winning sparkling wines. Don't miss: Ferrer's annual Catalan Festival, a lively celebration of Spanish culture and cuisine.
23555 Hwy Carneros Hwy (121), Sonoma, CA 95476 * (707) 996-7256 * gloriaferrer.com
Iron Horse
Tucked
away in a remote corner of western Sonoma County, Iron Horse is a
small, family-owned operation whose wines made from 100% estate-grown
grapes enjoy a stellar reputation on the international dining scene.
Founded by the Sterling family in 1980 and now run by the family's
second generation, Iron Horse is a must-see spot on any Sonoma County
tour. Don't miss: the winery's charmingly rustic outdoor tasting area.
9786 Ross Station Rd., Sebastopol, CA 95472 * (707) 887-1507 * ironhorsevineyards.com
J Wine Company
Founded in 1986
by Stanford graduate and second-generation vintner Judy Jordan, J Wine
Company made a mark early on with its celebrated J Vintage Brut
sparkling wine. Situated in the cool Russian River Valley, the
forward-thinking operation is known for its outstanding hospitality and
innovative wine-and-food pairing exercises. Don't miss: J's new
Bubble Room, where library and limited-release sparklers are sampled
alongside Tsar Nicoulai Caviar and other gourmet bites.
11447 Old Redwood Hwy, Healdsburg, CA 95448 * (707) 431-5430 * jwine.com
Laetitia
Previously
Maison Deutz, this charming Central Coast operation produces quality
sparkling wines in the cool Arroyo Grande Valley AVA just a few miles
from the Pacific. The vineyards - initially planted by France's
Champagne Deutz in the early 1980s - are predominantly Pinot Noir,
which makes translates to rich, fruit-forward sparkling wines. Don't miss: Laetitia's award-winning still wines, particularly the estate-designated Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc.
453 Laetitia Vineyard Dr., Arroyo Grande, CA 93420 * (805) 481-1772 * laetitiawine.com
Mumm Napa
Dubbed
one of the best tasting experiences in America, Mumm Napa goes above
and beyond the usual visitor experience, offering guests both indoor
and outdoor table service, regular tours and a fine art photo gallery.
All this, and Mumm's sparkling wines are consistently excellent,
particularly the vintage-dated DVX cuvées, made each year from the best
fruit the winery harvests. Don't miss: the surprisingly in-depth, interactive wedding-planning resources on the Mumm website.
8445 Silverado Trail, Rutherford, CA 94573 * (707) 967-7700 * mummnapa.com
Roederer Estate
Since
its first vintage was released in 1988, Mendocino's Roederer Estate has
produced sparkling wines recognized as some of the best crafted outside
of France. They're made in a style perfected by parent company
Champagne Louis Roederer, which blends a portion of oak-aged base wine
into each year's blend to create Roederer's signature rich taste. Don't miss: L'Ermitage, Roederer Estate's outstanding vintage-dated cuvée.
4501 Hwy 128, Philo, CA 95466 * (707) 895-2288 * roedererestate.net
Scharffenberger
Currently owned by Maisons Marques & Domaines, Scharffenberger has undergone a number of changes in the past, most notably a name change to Pacific Echo between 1998 and 2004. With its brand name restored, the Mendocino-based operation continues to produce affordable, fruit-forward cuvées thanks to the use of malolactic fermentation, which lends the wines supple acidity and layered flavors. Don't miss: the tasting room's rotating display of artwork by local artisans. 8501 Hwy 128, Philo, CA 94566 * (707) 895-2957 * scharffenbergercellars.com
Schramsberg
Schramsberg
holds the esteem of being America's first sparkling wine house: Its
first bubbly hit the scene in 1965, decades before the French began
setting up sister sparkling operations in the Golden State. Named for
Jacob Schram, the German who established the winery and vineyards in
1862, Schramsberg is run today by the Davies family, who source fruit
from cool-climate vineyards throughout California. Don't miss: Camp Schramsberg, a 3-day sparkling wine camp held at the winery several times each year.
1400 Schramsberg Rd., Calistoga, CA 94515 * (800) 877-3623 * schramsberg.com
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