Gloria Ferrer -  Sonoma, California

Royal Cuvée

Our Royal Cuvée is a prestige bottling that showcases the superb quality of the grapes grown on our 335-acre estate vineyard in Carneros. The structure and mouthfeel of this wine have evolved over successive vintages as these impressive vineyard blocks have matured. Made only from the first pressing of hand-picked grapes, this classic Brut blend of two-thirds Pinot Noir and one-third Chardonnay offers the delicacy and exuberance of perfectly ripe fruit well-integrated with complexities derived from over five years of aging on the yeast.

Tasting Notes

A wonderful medley of effusive fruit tones including ripe apple, bright cherry, strawberry and citrus mingle with hints of cream, biscuit and toast in the very complex nose of this well-developed yet vibrantly fresh sparkling wine. The lush, generous textures continue the creaminess, laced with rich lemon and apple flavors and lovely suggestions of yeast, caramel and marzipan throughout the deftly balanced and persistent finish.

Winemaking

• Grapes were whole-cluster pressed to minimize extraction of bitter compounds
• The cuvée was made exclusively with free-run juice
• Base wines were fermented in stainless steel tanks at 60°F to preserve delicacy
• Sixteen base wines were carefully blended to create the final cuvée
• The wine was aged for more than five years on the yeast

Acclaim

93 POINTS!
Wine Enthusiast, Best of the Year Issue 2009
93 POINTS and The Enthusiast Top 100 of 2008
Wine Enthusiast, December 2008
93 POINTS
WineSpectator.com, October 2008

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Awards

2009 Gold Medals
Jerry Mead New World Wine Competition
San Francisco International Wine Competition - DOUBLE GOLD
West Coast Wine Competition
Sommelier Challenge

Food Affinities

This wine pairs beautifully with a wide variety of appetizers and tapas ranging from toasted almonds and marinated olives to fried calamari or seared scallops. Enjoy it with smoked fish, Brie or aged Gouda cheese, steamed mussels, barbecue pork and chicken. Seasoning affinities include citrus peel and tarragon.

Blend

67% Pinot Noir
33% Chardonnay

Analysis

pH: 3.16
Total acidity: 0.68 g/100 ml
Alcohol: 12.9%
Dosage: 1.38 g/100 ml