First released in 2005 after sever years of aging on yeasts, this non-vintage cuvee is now released annually by Artesa Winery of Carneros, under the label of Cordoniu Napa. Artesa is owned by the Cordoniu family, one of the oldest wine making families in the world and largest Cava producers in Spain. This blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir is produced in the methode traditionnelle as practiced in Champagne.
The wine is a pretty pale gold color, with a fine mousse that releases aromas of gala apples, asian pear, orange zest, bread dough, ginger, and minerals. Delightfully racy acidty contributes to a bright, crisp attack. The crispness is matched by the creamy mousse, yielding a balanced mouthfeel that adds nuances of vanilla and orange marmalade to the dominant green apple and pear flavors. The dry, palate-cleansing finish smacks of apples, minerals, and gingery spice.
This is a really nice CA sparkling wine - dry and balanced, with racy acidity and great fruit. A must-have with food - how about a brie and dungeness crab dip with crostinis? Or just set out a wedge of Delice de Bourgogne with some fresh prserves and marcona almonds...in short, match that zippy acidity with your creamy apps for a real treat!
$32 at the winery is a fair (if not great) deal in the CA sparkling wine marketplace - there are a suprising number of solid CA sparkling values out there, for those who care to poke around.
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