WINEMAKER’S NOTES

In the tradition of Walter Schug’s home estate in Germany, we offer this Sparkling Pinot Noir as a celebration of the intense yet delicate flavors the Pinot Noir grape has to offer. Like a Brut Rosé only darker, this “saignée method” bubbly has vibrant berry flavors and a brilliant red color rarely found in sparkling wine. The cuvée of 100% Pinot Noir achieves its color and intense flavor through a three-day “cold-soak” of juice and skins. Only the free-run juice is cold-fermented in stainless steel tanks, followed by a second fermentation in bottle, or “méthode traditionnelle” — the same as in Champagne. The dosage is kept to a minimum to allow the vibrant flavors of Pinot Noir to shine through. Rouge de Noirs embodies the true essence of Pinot Noir – a wine we produce “for the love of it!”

First produced in 1987, our Rouge de Noirs
embodies the true essence of Pinot Noir
– a sparkling wine we produce “for the love of it!”

Chef Kristine’s recommendation

Our Rouge de Noirs is made with 100% Carneros Pinot Noir and is much like a brut Rosé. But it’s ever so slightly darker in color since it has a little more skin contact when it’s first made. The flavors and bouquet shadow our other Pinot Noirs but show delicacy and elegance. We love pouring this wine! And we love to pair it up with delicious recipes with lighter Asian flavors, smoked seafood, and especially charcuterie.

Winery Chef Kristine has developed her own recipe for a Smoked Pork Rillettes recipe and is excited to share it with you! This recipe is so lovely paired with our Rouge de Noir- the richness of the pork really contrasts beautifully with the elegant fruit and crisp, effervescence of the bubbly. The recipe is not difficult and freezes beautifully so you can enjoy your preparation easily more than once.

Try it with…