2016 Sparkling Reserve - Best in Class
Awards:
Best in Class, San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
Gold, Virginia Governor's Cup
Tasting Notes:
This elegant sparkling wine made from 100% chardonnay has a creamy mousse that is perfectly round and balanced on the palate. It is both vibrant and complex with fresh acidity, minerality, and aromas of citrus, green apple, and pear. Aging this vintage sparkling for over 5 years on its yeast enriches this wine and creates a full-bodied sparkling with notes of toasted nuts and freshly baked pastries. Enjoy with oysters, poultry, caviar, or serve as an apertif.
"The Dom Perignon of Virginia Wine" - Jay Youmans, Master of Wine. April 29, 2021
Terroir:
This wine is made from 100% estate grown fruit. Our vines are sheltered in the foothills of Carter’s Mountain in the Monticello American Viticultural Area (AVA).
Vintage Notes:
After a good start to the growing season, the hot and dry summer led to early flavor development and ripeness, which allowed us to pick one week earlier than expected in August.
Winemaker's Notes:
The 2016 Reserve is our signature sparkling wine which reflects the best techniques and aging methods of the vintage Méthode Champenoise process. The chardonnay grapes for this wine were harvested from the oldest block on our estate-grown vineyard. This block, with its age and north-facing slope, holds acidity and allows for the grapes to mature more slowly. Picking these grapes at peak ripeness and gentle pressing, recovering only the coeur de cuvee, provided the perfect wine for aging. Aging in 65% stainless steel tanks, as well as 35% neutral French oak, gives the wine a more soft and structured mouthfeel. This wine was then aged on tirage for 5 years. This aging time on its lees allowed the true flavors of champenoise process to develop. At disgorging, a low amount of dosage finished this wine in a Brut style, which is balanced, rich, and delightful.
PDF Tech and Tasting Notes
