Gloria Ferrer -  Sonoma, California

Blanc de Blancs

Crafted exclusively from hand-harvested Chardonnay, the 2005 Blanc de Blancs represents the synergy of careful grape growing, artisan cellar practices and the winemaker’s blending skill. Blanc de Blancs is prized among sparkling wine connoisseurs because of the rich textural qualities, complex aromas, elegance and promising aging potential that Chardonnay provides.

Tasting Notes

An abundant mousse and enticing aromas of delicate orange blossoms, ripe Gravenstein apple, vanilla and brioche announce this elegant Blanc de Blancs. Its full, creamy entry on the palate reveals complex flavors of ripe pear, lemon meringue and hints of white chocolate along with mineral notes that persist on a fresh, lasting, precisely balanced finish.

Winemaking

• Whole-cluster pressed for delicacy
• Fermented in stainless steel tanks at temperatures of 55° to 60°F to retain vibrancy and freshness
• This cuvée is a blend of eight base wines
• More than three years cellar aging on the yeast developed great complexity and lasting effervescence

Acclaim

91 POINTS
Winereviewonline.com, March 30, 2009
TWO STARS
"Gloria Ferrer - constructed in 1986 - is the U.S. operation of the Ferrer family, who also own Catalonia's Freixenet. Pale color; slight yeast with lemon curd, green apple and citrus; slightly sharp aromas. Strong mousse under the creamy mouthfeel."
San Francisco Chronicle, December 5, 2008

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Awards

2009 Medals
Grand Harvest Awards
Fingerlakes International Wine Competition
San Diego International Wine Competition – SWEEPSTAKES
Jerry Mead New World Wine Competition – BEST OF CLASS
Pacific Rim Wine Competition – BEST OF CLASS
West Coast Wine Competition – SWEEPSTAKES
National Women’s Wine Competition – BEST OF CLASS, SWEEPSTAKES, DOUBLE GOLD
Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition – BEST OF CLASS
Critics Challenge International Wine Competition
Orange County Wine Competition
Sommelier Challenge - PLATINUM

2008 Medals Grand Harvest Awards
West Coast Wine Competition
Finger Lakes International Wine Competition
Pacific Rim International Wine Competition
Critics Challenge International Wine Competition
Orange County Fair Wine Competition
National Women's Wine Competition- SWEEPSTAKES
Los Angeles International Wine Competition- BEST OF CLASS

Food Affinities

A versatile accompaniment to a wide variety of appetizers from fresh oysters to toasted almonds, mussels to grilled prawns and, yes, caviar, this wine also matches superbly with a variety of cheeses like triple creams, Brie and Fontina.

Blend

100% Chardonnay:
95% Carneros, 5% Sonoma Coast
Appellation: Carneros

Analysis

pH: 3.31
Total acidity: 0.74 g/100 ml
Alcohol: 12.5%
Dosage: 13 g/L