2017 Sparkling Brut

The Vintage
2017 will be remembered as the year of the fires in Sonoma County, it will also be remembered as a near perfect vintage for most winegrowers. Spring rains meant that the vines had plenty of reserves to work with during bud break and the flowering seasons. The summer months were warm and mild creating ideal growing conditions. Things warmed up in September hastening the harvest season. All in all, yields were average to slightly below average with quality across all varieties at near perfection. At Trione we were done harvesting by October 6th, slightly earlier than normal. 

The Winemaking
The grapes were hand harvested from our Russian River Valley Ranch. The grapes were pressed gently using a champagne pressing regime at the winery. The wine was tank fermented cool at 50 degrees Fahrenheit. After approximately two months in the tank the wine was barreled down to neutral French oak barrels. The wine rested in barrels for 10 months at which time we took the wine out of barrels and bottled it with enough sugar and yeast to ensure the right level of bubbles. The wine sat en- tirage for 18 months; this is the time where the magic in sparkling wine happens. The yeast fermented the added sugar to give the wine life and bubbles but also the complexity in the finish, texture, and aroma. We disgorged this wine in late November of 2020. 

Tasting Notes
Crisp pear, lemon rind, and toasted hazelnut fill the nose at first impression. The wine is light with tiny, bright bubbles, with a nice mousse. Notes of lemon curds and meringue coupled with cinnamon and fresh baked bread linger on the palate. This wine pairs nicely with cheese and charcuterie, salads, and desserts of all kinds. Cheers!