While the Anderson Valley has long been acclaimed for sparkling wine, this is a first for FEL. We followed the traditional méthode champenoise, starting with the creation of a base vin clair. The wine shows incredible harmony between the original brightness of the base wine and the complexity and nuance of six years en tirage. The palate is zesty and bracing, yet full and delicate from the years in bottle. The aromatics range from citrus notes of Meyer lemon, kumquat, orange blossom, and lemon meringue pie, to florals of lilac and jasmine. The beloved white truffle character that marks our favorite sparkling wines from around the world runs through the delicate mousse of the palate and the long, crisp finish. We look forward to many years of watching this wine evolve and to many more years of FEL sparkling wines to come.
Wine Profile
Vineyard Notes
This wine is made of a blend of 55% Pinot Noir and 45% Chardonnay from our estate Savoy Vineyard near the town of Philo in the Anderson Valley Appellation. The Pinot Noir is Dijon Clone 114 and the Chardonnay is the Prosser selection, one of the original 1991 plantings at Savoy.
Production Notes
The fruit was harvested on August 11th at 19.6° Brix, whole cluster pressed to tank, and settled for 24 hours. Fermentation occurred in neutral puncheons and barrels. The base wine was bottled after ten months sur lie and aged en tirage for six years before disgorging.
Winemaker Notes
While the Anderson Valley has long been acclaimed for sparkling wine, this is a first for FEL. We followed the traditional méthode champenoise, starting with the creation of a base vin clair. The wine shows incredible harmony between the original brightness of the base wine and the complexity and nuance of six years en tirage. The palate is zesty and bracing, yet full and delicate from the years in bottle. The aromatics range from citrus notes of Meyer lemon, kumquat, orange blossom, and lemon meringue pie, to florals of lilac and jasmine. The beloved white truffle character that marks our favorite sparkling wines from around the world runs through the delicate mousse of the palate and the long, crisp finish. We look forward to many years of watching this wine evolve and to many more years of FEL sparkling wines to come.
