Domaine Carneros 2007 Brut Taittinger
Domaine Carneros in the heart of Carneros, is the California expression of the tradition and excellence of its founder, Champagne Taittinger. Established in 1987, Domaine Carneros is considered a regional landmark. In the late 1970’s, Claude Taittinger, the president of Champagne Taittinger, proclaimed his faith in the future of American wines and began the search on U.S. soil for a suitable winery site. In 1987, Champagne Taittinger, along with partner Kobrand Corporation, selected a 138 acre parcel in the heart of Carneros, a viticultural appellation they recognized to have the potential to produce world class sparkling wines. All of Domaine Carneros wines bear the Carneros Appellation, with 95% of the fruit coming from estate vineyards. In April 2008, Domaine Carneros received organic certification of all Estate vineyards by the California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF).
My daughter Christine had a winery wedding in 2012, and since the winery did not produce a sparkling wine, I wanted to get something special, that was actually drinkable, so I selected Taittinger’s 2007 Domaine Carneros Brut. How many weddings have you attended where the warm sugar water they provide for a toast is just not drinkable? For me, too many to count I’m afraid. I instructed the catering staff to pour a glass of the 2007 Domaine Carneros Brut just before the toast and not having it sit in a glass getting warm when the cocktail hour was happening. I am happy to report that everything came out as was perfectly planned from the ceremony, to the toast, to the meal and cutting of the cakes.
When opening Sparkling wine or Champagne, one should try and not “bruise” the wine by making it “POP” which lets out too much gas prematurely. Pouring a glass of Domaine Carneros, into a clean chilled glass (chilling the glass a bit with club soda and ice enhances the bubbles), I see a nice pale yellow color and a nose that is crisp and clean with pear and apple fruit and hints of toasty spice. The taste is layered with flavors of citrus and juicy green pears with a touch of sweet raspberries. The finish yields a slightly yeasty tang with a wonderful toasty mineral taste that lingers nicely. Be sure to grab a few bottles for the holidays, a wedding perhaps, or just for fun, and at under $20, a real value that may also provide lasting memories.
Cheers!