Carboniste "Rouge Brute" San Benito County, California 2023

FROM CARBONISTE:

THE WINE: 33% Merlot, 33% Albariño, 24% Carignan, 10% Primitivo. Each grape gets its own spotlight. Albariño is direct-pressed and stainless steel fermented to stay crisp and bright. Reds ferment whole cluster for 10 days with submerged-cap carbonic maceration, keeping tannins soft. A quick rest in neutral barrels finishes malolactic fermentation, adding subtle richness. Bottled with fresh yeast and a touch of sugar, Rouge Brute has lower pressure, perfectly complementing the reds. Think sweet red fruits, playful herbs, and a zing of energy from Albariño. Soft tannins, lively bubbles—every sip is a little celebration.

THE PRODUCER: After meeting at UC Davis, Dan and Jacqueline Person worked around the world, then around California. These experiences informed their perspectives on winemaking. Dan worked for Schramsberg Vineyards for 3 years, making traditional sparkling wines from California grapes. Based on that experience, Dan decided there was a need for a new interpretation of California sparkling wine. Jacqueline was concurrently making still wines from a variety of terroirs across the Golden State, terroirs that have inspired the vineyard selections for CARBONISTE.