Notes:

• Producer: Caraccioli Cellars was founded by Gary and Judi Caraccioli with a singular vision: to produce world-class méthode traditionnelle sparkling wines from California that could stand alongside the finest examples from Champagne. Located in the Santa Lucia Highlands of Monterey County, the winery focuses exclusively on Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grown at the family's Escolle Vineyard. Since the inaugural 2006 vintage, Caraccioli has become one of California's most respected sparkling wine producers, thanks to its unwavering commitment to estate fruit, meticulous vineyard practices, and traditional Champagne techniques. Every bottle is produced entirely in-house—from whole-cluster pressing and secondary fermentation to riddling and disgorgement—allowing complete control over quality at every stage. The combination of cool Pacific influences, exceptional vineyard sites, and uncompromising winemaking has established Caraccioli as one of America's benchmark sparkling wine estates.
• Vineyard: The Brut Cuvée is produced exclusively from the estate Escolle Vineyard in the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA. Since the 2015 vintage, all Caraccioli sparkling wines have been sourced entirely from this sustainably farmed vineyard, certified under SIP (Sustainability in Practice). The 2019 blend consists of 60% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Noir, planted in gravelly alluvial and decomposed granite soils that benefit from the region's dramatic diurnal temperature swings and persistent afternoon winds off Monterey Bay. These cool growing conditions preserve vibrant acidity while allowing slow, even ripening, producing fruit with exceptional concentration, freshness, and natural balance—qualities that are essential for world-class sparkling wine.
• Winemaking: Produced entirely by the traditional method, the grapes are hand harvested into small totes before undergoing gentle whole-cluster pressing using a Coquard gravity press, with only the first 120 gallons per ton retained for the final blend. Primary fermentation begins in stainless steel, while approximately 20% of the wine finishes fermentation in neutral French oak and the remainder receives a short period of barrel aging before blending. Because of the wine's naturally low pH, malolactic fermentation is never allowed, preserving remarkable freshness and precision. The 2019 remained 57 months on its lees before disgorgement in January 2025, developing extraordinary texture, complexity, and finesse while retaining impressive energy.
• Technical Details: Santa Lucia Highlands AVA; 60% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir; estate-grown fruit from Escolle Vineyard; sustainably farmed (SIP Certified); hand harvested; whole-cluster pressed using a Coquard gravity press; primary fermentation in stainless steel with partial neutral French oak élevage; no malolactic fermentation; 57 months sur lie; disgorged January 2025; 12.0% alcohol; approximately 1,854 cases produced (750ml).
• Food Pairing: Fresh oysters, Dungeness crab, lobster, scallops, sushi, fried chicken, roast chicken, creamy risotto, triple-cream cheeses, and aged Comté all pair beautifully with this sparkling wine. The 2019 offers vibrant aromas of lemon zest, green apple, yellow plum, toasted brioche, chalk, and citrus blossom, followed by a palate that is simultaneously rich and electric. Its exceptionally fine mousse, bright acidity, and long mineral finish make it equally compelling as an aperitif or throughout an entire meal, while its structure and balance promise graceful development for years to come.